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Botswana, SA strengthen cross border innovation

Kabo Phetlhu
Kabo Phetlhu

Botswana and South African governments are strengthening cross-border innovation in a bid to accelerate technology commercialisation while promoting technology-driven economic growth across Southern Africa.

Recently, agencies from the two nations namely Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub (BDIH) and South Africa's Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to show commitment to the vision. TIA CEO, Titus Mathe, described the agreement as an important step towards advancing the Southern African Development Community's industrialisation agenda. He said combining the expertise, resources and innovation ecosystems of the two institutions would create new opportunities for innovators and entrepreneurs to develop globally competitive technologies while addressing pressing societal challenges.

"We are laying the foundation for an integrated cross-border innovation economy that promotes sustainable growth, industrialisation and job creation," Mathe added. For his part BDIH CEO, Kabo Phetlhu, noted that the collaboration reinforces Botswana's commitment to regional innovation and technology-driven economic diversification. He said innovation should not be limited by national borders, adding that the partnership would strengthen collaboration between the two countries while creating a more supportive environment for technology development, commercialisation and entrepreneurship. According to Phetlhu, the partnership is expected to unlock new investment opportunities, accelerate technology adoption and contribute to Africa's digital and industrial transformation while supporting inclusive economic growth across the region.

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