Africa-Press – Botswana. The newly launched University of Botswana (UB) innovation hub is a means of unlocking Botswana’s untapped potential and creating a positive impact on a global scale, Acting President Slumber Tsogwane has said.
Speaking at the hub’s launch Friday, he said it was integral to the nation’s progress as it propelled humanity forward, leading to notable achievements and economic advancements.
The centre was about reimagining business models, challenging traditional thinking and finding novel approaches to address societal challenges including climate change, healthcare and social inequality, he said.
Mr Tsogwane said it would be significant in promoting Botswana’s economic competitiveness through helping businesses and industries to remain steadfast in today’s rapidly evolving global economy.
It was critical in facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing among different stakeholders such as researchers, academics, industry experts and entrepreneurs, the acting president said.
Mr Tsogwane urged all to embrace the spirit of innovation advising boldness in thinking, relentlessness in pursuit of excellence and collaboration in efforts.
United, he said, the nation should challenge the status quo, explore unchartered terrains and push the knowledge boundaries.
The acting president said the hub was integral to government’s policies and strategies such as the Botswana National Research, Science and Technology Policy and Smart Botswana.
He informed his audience that government had increased the budget allocation for research while the first couple had pledged cattle for UB to sell and use the proceeds for research.
Funded by the Chinese Embassy, the initiative seeks to make the university an innovation hub for both the SADC region and Africa as a whole.
Ambassador Wang Xuefeng expressed the belief that the centre would become a platform for students and teachers to develop their creativity, competitiveness and conduct cutting-edge research and improve applicable skills.
He said the hub was closely linked to the China-Africa capacity building programme which in the case of Botswana included technical training for officials and technicians under the framework of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
“We also keep in mind local youth education and empowerment and try our best to make contributions to Botswana basic education development,” he said.
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