Botswana, SA strengthen cross border innovation
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 | 0 Views |
Kabo Phetlhu
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.
At home, Botswana is still lagging in many aspects despite some steps taken to fix the situation. Those living with disabilities are often ignored and shut out from basic rights, access to services, or social participation. A motion tabled in Parliament by Kgatleng Central Member of Parliament, Mpho Morolong, calling for the introduction and adoption of sign language as an official language in Botswana is indeed a welcome development.The deaf...