16 Feb 2026

The Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) has launched a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) centre for use by the community.

Equipped with state-of-the art virtual computer laboratory; 30 desktop access points as well as a fully equipped electronics laboratory, the centre was launched at the university campus recently.

It showcases the university’s collective dedication to education, innovation and sustainable development.

“What renders this initiative particularly effective is its inclusive character. STEAM enrichment initiatives aid in closing gaps related to gender, ethnicity, and social backgrounds, thus fostering togetherness, creativity and progress within and between communities,” said BIUST vice chancellor, Professor Otlogetswe Totolo during the launch.

He explained that the birth of the centre stemmed from a partnership with STEMpower Corporation (based in the United States), which had been supporting African nations in enhancing STEM education for the last decade.

The centre serves as a specialised learning space that offers hands-on engineering and science lab experiences, and it provided free, suitable programmes for local students who opted in willingly within a secure and nurturing environment, where experienced lab mentors assist students while they engaged with contemporary scientific and engineering tools.

“The BIUST STEAM Centre is not merely a lab. 

It signifies an investment in human capability, creativity, and national progress. It showcases the potential outcomes when international collaborators join forces with local organisations to equip the upcoming generation of scientists, engineers and innovators,” said Prof. Totolo.

The university’s Outreach and Engagement director, Dr Haniso Motlhabane, expressed the pleasure of being a key participant in the project because for him, witnessing significant potential materialise in real time was both rewarding and inspiring.

“Botswana is rich in talent, collaborating with pre-university students has demonstrated our significant potential in technology, Mathematics, programming, Science, and the Arts,” he said.

Dr Motlhabane regarded STEAM education as being essential for driving national development forward, indicating that establishing a strong STEAM foundation in youth would significantly influence the cultivation of solution-oriented thinking and ignite enthusiasm for manufacturing and production.

His plea was that the school administration and educators helped ensure that students could access the centre, because it was meant for them.

Mabogo Junior Secondary School, Science teacher, Ms Keorapetse Kelebele, commended BIUST and STEM power for creating a centre that would help to enhance learning experience and stimulate students’ interest in pursuing careers in Mathematics and Science.

It is a bridge between textbooks or theoretical solutions and practical applications in a secure environment, Ms Kelebele said. ENDS