Joint Press Conference on resetting Bostwana with research innovation and Technology

“Government is commitment to Resetting the National Economy to Resetting the National Economy to Accelerating the GDP growth to at least 5.7% by 2036 through Science, Technology, engineering and Mathematics (STEM).”

Minister of Communications, Knowledge and Technology Honourable Thulagano M. Segokgo emphasized this during a Joint Press Conference alongside two other cabinet Ministers; Hon. Dr. Douglas Letsholathebe, Minister of Education and Skills Development and Hon. Fidelis Molao, Minister of Agriculture at Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub (BDIH), on the 16th August 2022.

Honourable Segokgo, appreciated the presence of his counterparts, Honourable Ministers and stated that their partnership is crucial in igniting the engine of national economic growth. “These collaborations in Botswana and the African continent are essential because if one wants to go far, it is a must that one must collaborate” he said.

He further noted that the outcomes of his Ministry are to bridge the digital divide and to leverage research, technology and innovation to grow the economy of Botswana. Minister Segokgo highlighted that research and innovation are an essential part of his mandate as a ministry, and as such a Research Fund has been established that will start running in the next financial year.

“All activities relating to this month are driven from the education pipeline, the Ministry of Education and Skills development, so this Research Fund will increase a cohort of postgraduates involved in masters and PhD programs at tertiary institutions” Segokgo said. He added their partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture would also drive research in livestock (goats, sheep and cattle) sorghum and animal feed.

Similarly the Minister of Agriculture Honourable Fidelis Molao affirmed and pledge his commitment to in partnerships in leverage on the implementation the knowledge based economy. In addressing the aspect of ‘Resetting Agriculture through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) for Sustainability in Food Production’, he said the Research Fund will be operationalized so as to harness resources and equip Batswana with necessary skills to better their lives as part of His Excellency the President of Republic of Botswana Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Mokgweetsi Masisi’s Reset Agenda. He stated innovation through research and technology will also help attract the youth to take funding and engaging in digital agriculture.

Meanwhile, Minister of Education and Skills Development Hon. Dr Douglas Letsholathebe addressed the aspect of ‘Resetting Human Resource Capital Development as Basis for Knowledge Creation’, by noting that raising awareness on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects and innovation will empower and capacitate Batswana to participate in transforming their lives as evidenced by the increase in the use of ICTs and the internet. He added that through E-education they aimed to accelerate the achievement of national educational goals by connecting learners.

The National Science Week will be held from the 22nd to 26th August 2022 under the theme STEM – Advancing Life for Sustainable Development at Masunga.