29 Jul 2026

Legislators have expressed support for the creation of the National Research and Innovation Council (NRIC), saying it will be instrumental in the country’s  economic diversification.

Debating the NRIC Bill of 2026 presented by the Minister of Communications and Innovation, Mr David Tshere in Parliament on Tuesday,  MP for Lentsweletau/Lephephe, Mr Tshenolo Bogatsu said research guided and supported national growth by providing structured access to data, policy frameworks and economic indicators. 

He said research created opportunities by driving innovation, solving real-world problems and building valuable skills.

Mr Bogatsu also said with the council established, government would be able to commercialise scientific discoveries and laboratory innovations into market-ready products and services through technology transfer, intellectual property protection and industry partnerships.

Serowe North MP, Mr Baratiwa Mathoothe said the establishment of the research council would drive successful industrialisation in development by enabling technology adoption, boosting productivity and guiding targeted economic policy. 

He said research councils have helped developing nations transition from basic resources extraction to advanced manufacturing and sustainable growth. Also, he said research was important for indigenous knowledge systems as it drove cultural preservation, promoted environment sustainability and fostered cognitive justice by validating local worldviews alongside formal science.

Moshupa/Manyana MP, Mr Karabo Gare said research would lead to diversification by uncovering new market gaps, building adaptive technological assets and fostering cross-disciplinary teamwork. 

Hence he said research had proved to build the foundation for creativity by supplying new inputs, uncovering hidden patterns and defining unique problem spaces.

Furthermore, Mr Gare said youth-led innovations backed by the council could actively lower the national import bills by replacing foreign goods with local solutions.

He said a developing and import-reliant economy like Botswana, where food and tech imports regularly spike, leveraging research to empower young innovators was a core strategy for achieving economic self-sufficiency.

Specially Elected MP, Major General Pius Mokgware also supported the Bill, saying research assisted in planning, allowing government to accordingly allocate funds and resources. 

He also said research helped on trends of climate change by providing the data, innovation and risk assessments needed for smart action. Maj. Gen. Mokgware said having a research council would enable researchers to track global warming patterns and advise on data with regard to crop resilience, green technology and measure agricultural economic impact, noting that research was important in planning for growing population development as well as shape policies. 

Also, he said research helped in closing the wealth gap by identifying effective policies, improving education systems, and guiding social programmes. 

Moreover, he said research provided critical insights, data and foresight that helped leaders and nations prepare for geo-political shifts.

Nkange MP, Mr Motlhaleemang Moalosi said he fully supported the Bill and advised that it look into international best practices in order to serve Botswana better and be sustainable. 

He raised issues of Intellectual  Property (IP) saying the council should be clear on who owned the IP for funded research entities and/or individuals. 

Mr Moalosi also said the Bill should focus on economic output, especially job creation.

He further said the Bill should provide for the council’s board composition to include more of industry players over academics to ensure market relevance and innovation.The MP said government should consider rationalising ministries to reduce research bureaucracy. 

Mr Moalosi said the Bill should enable the council to provide research funding for problem solving research ideas, adding that there should be robust vetting in awarding funding. Ends