Botswana launches Scalar programme to bridge innovation funding gap
Larona Makhaiza | Wednesday March 18, 2026 06:00
Assistant Minister of Communications and Innovation, Shawn Ntlhaile, officially launched the SBIP, an initiative aimed at strengthening Botswana’s innovation ecosystem and helping local innovators transform ideas into viable businesses.
During the launch, Ntlhaile said the programme, powered by BIF and implemented in partnership with Frost & Sullivan and Scalar, represents an important milestone in Botswana’s efforts to diversify its economy. He said Botswana’s economy has historically relied heavily on natural resources, but the next phase of national development requires a stronger focus on innovation-driven sectors.
“For many years, Botswana’s economic growth has been anchored largely in natural resources. Whilst this foundation has delivered stability and prosperity, the next phase of our national development requires a broader economic base,” Ntlhaile said.
He added that economic diversification is not just a policy aspiration but also a national necessity as the country seeks to build a more resilient and competitive economy.
The minister highlighted renewable energy, climate technologies, and digital innovation as key sectors that could drive the country’s economic transformation. According to him, these sectors align with the country’s broader economic development ambitions and have the potential to generate new industries, enterprises and employment opportunities.
However, Ntlhaile noted that one of the major challenges facing innovators across emerging economies is the gap between innovation and investment.
“Talented innovators and entrepreneurs are developing promising solutions to real economic and environmental challenges, yet many of these ideas struggle to move beyond early development stages due to limited access to capital, technical validation, and commercialisation pathways,” he said.
He explained that the Scalar Botswana Innovation Program seeks to address this gap by creating a structured pathway that supports innovators from early-stage development through to commercialisation and investment readiness.
The programme is informed by a regional feasibility and opportunity study conducted by Frost & Sullivan across Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa to identify areas where innovation can unlock new market opportunities and allow Botswana-based ventures to scale regionally.
Ntlhaile also stressed the importance of collaboration between the government, the private sector, and research institutions in building a strong innovation ecosystem.
“Whilst public institutions can create the enabling environment, sustainable industrial growth requires strong participation from investors, financial institutions, technology partners, and industry leaders,” he said.
He further encouraged innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors to actively engage with the programme, adding that innovation must be treated as a national strategy capable of building competitive industries. The initiative is expected to support local startups and technology-driven enterprises whilst strengthening Botswana’s position in emerging sectors such as digital innovation and climate technology.