Africa-Press – Botswana. The University of Botswana’s Okavango Research Institute (ORI) has strengthened its research and training capacity following the handover of high-end computers donated by the government of the United States through its Embassy in Botswana. The ceremony took place at the ORI campus in Maun on 22 January 2026, highlighting the enduring partnership between Botswana and the United States, grounded in shared values of education, innovation, and sustainable development.
Acting Minister of Higher Education, Hon Shawn Ntlhaile, described the donation as a reflection of the long-standing bilateral relationship that prioritises knowledge and capacity development. He noted that tertiary education and research have been central to Botswana–US cooperation through scholarships, institutional partnerships, research support, and infrastructure development.
Hon Ntlhaile emphasised that the new equipment directly supports Botswana’s goal of building a knowledge-based economy. He highlighted the growing importance of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and geospatial technologies in addressing critical challenges such as climate change, environmental management, biodiversity conservation, land-use planning, and disaster risk reduction.
“For an institute located in the heart of the Okavango Delta, one of the world’s most important ecosystems, advanced GIS capacity is a strategic necessity,” he said, adding that the donation will enhance Botswana’s ability to manage and protect this World Heritage Site.
UB Acting Vice Chancellor, Mr Dawid Katzke, welcomed the donation, describing it as a timely boost to ORI’s research infrastructure. He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to advancing a knowledge-driven economy through high-quality teaching, impactful research, and innovation aligned with national and global priorities.
Mr Katzke noted that high-end computing infrastructure is critical to modern geospatial science, enabling advanced spatial analysis, modelling, and visualisation. The donated computers will strengthen ORI’s GIS laboratory, support postgraduate training, interdisciplinary research, and collaboration with local and international partners, while equipping students with future-ready skills.
Both Hon Ntlhaile and Mr Katzke commended the growing partnership between the University of Botswana and the United States Embassy. They emphasised that such collaboration delivers tangible benefits for students, researchers, and the nation. ORI was encouraged to ensure the effective and responsible use of the equipment to maximise academic, environmental, and societal impact.
This donation positions ORI to expand its research capabilities, reinforce Botswana’s knowledge-based economy, and advance sustainable management of the Okavango Delta, a globally significant ecological treasure.
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