The event celebrated groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) solutions designed to improve healthcare. The competition, which launched in November 2024 and concluded in December, attracted 57 applicants. After a rigorous selection process, 10 finalists were shortlisted with three teams emerging as winners. Participants were challenged to develop an AI Health Coach, a tool designed to analyse health data, lifestyle habits, and risk factors to provide personalised guidance that encourages healthier living. The goal was to create AI-driven solutions that address both physical and mental health challenges, aligning with Botswana’s broader digital transformation agenda.
The competition showcased how technology can be leveraged to enhance healthcare accessibility and efficiency. Segaisi Tech, founded by Agfa Ngwalongwalo and Pako Okabile, secured third place, earning P22,500 and six months of free Wi-Fi. HealthPal, developed by Mpho Sekwenyane, Tshegofatso Sepora, Warona Bontsi, and Sandile Kapaya, claimed second place, receiving P27,500 and nine months of free Wi-Fi. The top prize went to Aerobw, a team led by Mirza Toufiq and Richmond Annan, who walked away with P32,500 and a full year of free Wi-Fi.
Their winning project introduced an AI-powered mental health chatbot designed to support individuals in distress before they seek professional help. The chatbot is multilingual, catering to Botswana’s diverse linguistic diversity and serves as an accessible first point of contact for those struggling with mental health challenges. Whilst not a substitute for psychiatrists, it aims to bridge the gap between individuals and professional mental health services. In a demonstration of corporate social responsibility, the Aerobw team pledged to donate half of their prize money to Lentswe Primary School in Mochudi, where both founders completed their early education. This gesture highlighted their commitment to giving back to the community and supporting the development of young learners. BTC Corporate Strategist, Dudu Mapila, emphasised the company’s dedication to fostering innovation and driving Botswana’s digital advancement. She noted that as BTC evolves into a forward-thinking digital enterprise, it remains focused on adopting emerging technologies and developing digital services that meet the changing needs of customers. She highlighted the critical role of innovators in shaping the future of the digital space, adding that initiatives like the BDIH Hackathon align with Botswana’s vision of becoming a knowledge-based economy.
BDIH representative, Ogone Mothowagae, echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the transformative power of AI in addressing healthcare challenges. She noted that the innovative solutions presented at the event demonstrated how technology can't only improve lives but also revolutionise the healthcare sector. Mothowagae added that AI-driven tools have the potential to enhance both physical and mental well-being, offering scalable and efficient solutions to complex health issues. The BDIH Hackathon highlighted the growing role of AI in Botswana’s digital landscape, showcasing how technology-driven innovations can contribute to national development. The event underscored the importance of investing in digital solutions that improve lives and support the country’s transition into a technologically advanced economy.
