KUSI Ideas Festival
The Botswana Digital & Innovation Hub (BDIH) positioned itself at the forefront of the KUSI Ideas Festival 2023, a distinguished gathering of global intellects and innovators. As an important player in Botswana's technological landscape, BDIH's attendance aligns perfectly with its mission to advance technology, entrepreneurship, and commercialization within the nation.
BDIH, operating under the Ministry of Communications, Knowledge and Technology, focuses on developing and managing the Science and Technology Park, attracting innovative companies, fostering commercialization, and contributing to national priorities. BDIH's influence extends to the creation of a conducive environment for technology-driven and knowledge-intensive businesses.
The KUSI Ideas Festival, themed "Africa’s Agenda 2063: Making the Dream Come True," provided a platform for BDIH to engage in discussions aligning with its strategic goals. Specifically, the thematic area of "State of Technology, Science, Research, And Innovation" resonates with BDIH's commitment to fostering an environment conducive to technological advancements and intellectual exchanges.
By actively engaging with diverse perspectives at the festival, BDIH seeks to contribute to shaping the technological future of Africa and fostering collaborations that transcend borders.
As BDIH navigated the discussions at the KUSI Ideas Festival, its presence exemplified a forward-thinking approach towards creating a sustainable and innovative future. The company is keenly positioned to explore new collaborations and insights that will propel Botswana and the broader African region towards becoming prominent players in the global technology landscape. The KUSI Ideas Festival serves as a valuable forum for BDIH to establish connections and lay the groundwork for a future where technology is a catalyst for positive change and sustainable growth.
Botswana Digital & Innovation Hub Startups Shine at SAIS BOOST UP Event
Botswana Digital & Innovation Hub partnered with SAIC for BOOST UP, a transformative three-part start up support program spanning Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia. The program aims to revolutionize the entrepreneurial landscape by promoting innovation, skills, and investment readiness.
Featured BDIH-Hosted Startups
Ipachi Capital
Developed a ground-breaking mobile application utilising machine learning for an intelligent financial management system tailored for Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs).
The app offers a smarter approach to payments, savings, and access to investment opportunities, empowering users with real-time record-keeping and financial insights.
Women Power Investments
Dedicated to manufacturing environmentally friendly liquid soap, with a focus on promoting hygiene and creating sustainable business practices for underprivileged communities.
Mega Minds Nation
Innovators in education, Mega Minds Nation introduced the I AM SMART science board, redefining learning through interactive experiments and engaging experiences.
Their educational services include curriculum-aligned content, hands-on activities, and interactive learning experiences.
BOOST UP Success
The BDIH-hosted start-ups participated in the Boost Up Bootcamp alongside counterparts from South Africa, Namibia, and Zambia.
After intensive training, they pitched their innovative solutions to potential investors, showcasing diverse solutions from tech to sustainability.
BDIH proudly announces the outstanding success of its start-ups Ipachi Capital, Mega Minds Nation and Women Power Investments, at the recent Southern Africa Innovation Collaborative (SAIC) BOOST UP event held in Nairobi, Kenya. These start-ups showcased innovative solutions at the intersection of technology and societal impact, securing top positions and recognition.
Twelve start-ups, including Ipachi Capital, Mega Minds Nation, and Women Power Investments, emerged as standout performers. Ipachi Capital-Botswana secured the top spot at the Boost Up pitch session in Nairobi, earning ZAR 15,000.00 for their innovation and excellence.
Ked-Liphi: A Digital Transformation Success Story
In Africa, where tradition and modernity often clash, a brewing revolution has reached a pivotal point. For centuries, Africa has been a cradle of rich culture and untapped potential. However, progress for many has been sluggish, and at times, seemingly non-existent.
Amidst the sweeping wave of digital transformation across Africa, Botswana-based Ked-Liphi (PTY) Ltd. emerges at the centre of innovation, empowering communities through its revolutionary Chedza Solar Backpack. This ingenious device harnesses the power of the sun to provide light and electricity for students in rural areas and throughout the country, bridging the digital divide and ensuring equal access to education.
The Chedza Solar Backpack transcends mere convenience; it serves as a lifeline for students lacking reliable electricity sources. Featuring an integrated solar panel, USB charging port, and LED bulb, the backpack offers up to seven hours of light and power. This empowers students to study after dark, charge their mobile phones, and access online educational resources.
Ked-Liphi's impact extends beyond individual students, transforming entire communities. The Chedza Solar Backpack not only enhances learning outcomes but also creates economic opportunities by providing people with access to light and power.
The company's IP has gained global recognition from the World Intellectual Property Organisation, and recently took first place in the Mascom Innovators Pitch Challenge.
By bridging the digital divide, Ked-Liphi is forging a more equitable future for all. As Africa continues its journey into the digital age, Ked-Liphi is right at the forefront, showcasing the transformative power of innovation in community empowerment. Ked-Liphi received the prestigious “Youth Business Innovator of the Year Award” at the inaugural Youth Employment Awards in Botswana on the 24th of November 2023. They have also been honoured with a Gold Award on Climate Change Adaptation & Mitigation Technology at the COP28UAE conference held in Dubai.
Gardening in the Digital Age
This holiday season, whether you are at home or away from your plants, you can ensure that they are in the greatest possible environment for growth by being the ideal plant parent.
Creating a vibrant garden is no longer just for the experts, because even with limited time and space, you can still cultivate your dream indoor or outdoor oasis with the help of technology. No one has to watch their precious plants wither away as you feel guilty about your lack of plant parenting skills.
Plant care applications offer a wealth of information and resources to help you provide optimal care for your green companions. They give a bridge between our hectic lives and the serene rhythm of nature changing plant care from a chore into a mindful practice.
Imagine waking up to a gentle reminder from your plant care app, reminding you to check on your leafy friend. One of the ways plant care apps help is by having personalised care instructions. These apps take into account the specific needs of each plant, considering factors such as environmental conditions and growth stage. By providing tailored advice, plant care apps help users avoid over- or under-watering, optimal light exposure and maintain proper humidity levels, all of which are important for plant health and longevity.
Plant care apps also have plant identification. With just a quick snap of a leaf, these apps can accurately identify unknown plants and so providing users with valuable information about their characteristics, care requirements and potential problems.
Real-time monitoring is another key feature of plant care apps. These apps can track environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and light exposure. This provides users with up-to-date information. Make time to search for plant care apps that meet your needs, so your mind can be at ease even when you are not with your plants this holiday.
YouTube - Your Culinary Guide to all your Festive Cooking
The art of cooking has found a platform on YouTube. As the festive season approaches, most of us will turn to this platform for entertainment and as their go-to culinary guide for creating festive feasts.
With its vast array of cooking channels and videos, YouTube has become a culinary inspiration. Whether you are a seasoned cook or love the kitchen, the platform offers something for everyone. From traditional recipes passed down through generations to innovative and contemporary twists on classic dishes, it has it all.
One of the advantages of using YouTube as a culinary guide is the visuals. Instead of just reading through a recipe, users can watch chefs and home cooks demonstrate each step. Visuals provide clarity that goes beyond what traditional cookbooks can offer. The chopping, seasoning and perfect timing for each cooking phase are all captured in high definition, making it easier for anyone to replicate the dishes confidently.
Variety is another key feature that makes YouTube a culinary haven. The platform accommodates a global audience, showcasing recipes from different cultures and cuisines. This festive season, one can start exploring dishes from around the world, all from the comfort of one's kitchen.
YouTube also allows for real-time interaction. Many cooking channels host live sessions where viewers can ask questions and engage with the chef/tutor. This interactive element adds a personal touch to the cooking experience.
YouTube offers flexibility regarding when and where you can access culinary guidance. Whether you are planning your festive menu or need a last-minute recipe rescue, YouTube is available 24/7, ready to assist you at your convenience.
The Transformative Impact of Innovation on Botswana's Future
Innovation stands as the revolutionary transition propelling Botswana into a future marked by progress, sustainability, and economic resilience - an evolution vividly demonstrated by the success of Innovation Botswana Day 2023.
Economic Diversification
The diamond mining industry has historically held a central role in Botswana's economic development. However, innovation emerges as the linchpin for economic diversification, breaking free from traditional moulds and cultivating fertile ground for diverse industries. The exhibition at Innovation Botswana Day not only showcased a myriad of innovations but also promised a more resilient and dynamic economic landscape.
Human Capital
The vision of a technologically advanced future hinges on cultivating a forward-thinking and skilled workforce. Innovation Botswana Day 2023 served as a vessel for supporting the next generation of innovators by sparking creativity and instilling a mindset attuned to technological advancements. This was achieved by involving and engaging young minds through interactive exhibits, workshops, and mentorship programs.
Collaborative Ecosystem
Innovation thrives in an environment where diverse actors unite to support and amplify creative concepts. The interconnected network of support that sustains innovation in Botswana was epitomized by Innovation Botswana Day 2023. Government agencies, businesses, academic institutions, and the community collaborate to create an environment fostering an innovative culture.
Innovation aligns Botswana with global initiatives and positions the nation as a responsible steward of its natural resources, marking a significant stride towards a sustainable and progressive future.
Shaping a Brighter Future
Imagine a world where doctors can diagnose diseases with unmatched precision; farmers predict weather patterns with pinpoint accuracy, and access to healthcare and education is available for everyone. This is not the stuff of science fiction; it is the promise of emerging technologies—inventions still in their early stages but possessing the power to transform our lives positively.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) already plays a significant role in our daily lives, influencing how we interact with smartphones and powering the algorithms behind our search engines. In Botswana, AI is a ray of hope that addresses some of the country's most pressing challenges. A shortage of qualified medical professionals, limited access to healthcare facilities, and a high disease burden have long plagued the healthcare sector, causing immense suffering.
Consider a doctor in a remote village equipped with an AI-powered diagnostic tool capable of analysing a patient's symptoms and providing a preliminary diagnosis in seconds.
AI can immensely contribute to the transformation of Botswana's agricultural landscape. Farmers grappling with unpredictable weather patterns due to climate change can benefit from AI-powered weather forecasting tools. These tools empower farmers to make informed decisions about planting and harvesting, ensuring food security for the nation.
As technology continues to evolve and grow, we anticipate witnessing even more ground-breaking applications of AI that will uplift communities, improve livelihoods, and shape a brighter future for all Batswana.
Tech Trends
In 2023, there was a surge in cybersecurity breaches across various sectors, including internet software and hospitality. According to tech trends for 2024, businesses must allocate resources to cutting-edge security solutions to safeguard their assets.
As cyber criminals devise increasingly sophisticated attack methods, staying ahead of the curve requires a deep understanding of emerging trends and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.
Botswana has made significant strides in recent years to bolster its cybersecurity posture. The country has established a National Cybersecurity Strategy to manage cybersecurity incidents. However, Botswana still has to grapple with cybersecurity awareness, skills, and infrastructure challenges.
Many African countries need more infrastructure and expertise to address cybersecurity threats effectively. This shortage of skilled professionals impedes development and implementation of robust cybersecurity measures.
In Botswana, one of the prevailing challenges is a need for more awareness among the public, making them susceptible to cyber-attacks such as phishing emails and deceptive websites. These tactics aim to deceive unsuspecting users into disclosing sensitive passwords and credit card details.
Several emerging trends continue to shape the cybersecurity landscape in Africa and Botswana, with an increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). AI and ML are instrumental in developing more sophisticated threat detection and prevention systems, empowering organizations to identify and respond to cyberattacks.
Despite the challenges, Africa and Botswana have a significant opportunity for growth in the cybersecurity industry. Addressing existing vulnerabilities and embracing upcoming trends will pave the way for a more secure digital future.
Employee Well-being: Taking Time Out this Festive Season
It is essential not to overlook the importance of rest, because a well-rested mind is the cheat code for productivity. Therefore, as the holiday season approaches everyone is encouraged to embrace the pause. Taking time out is not just away from work, but also an investment in personal refreshment.
BDIH, operating under the Ministry of Communications, Knowledge and Technology, focuses on developing and managing the Science and Technology Park, attracting innovative companies, fostering commercialization, and contributing to national priorities. BDIH's influence extends to creating a conducive environment for technology-driven and knowledge-intensive businesses.
The KUSI Ideas Festival, themed "Africa’s Agenda 2063: Making the Dream Come True," provided a platform for BDIH to engage in discussions aligning with its strategic goals. Specifically, the thematic area of "State of Technology, Science, Research, And Innovation" resonates with BDIH's commitment to fostering an environment conducive to technological advancements and intellectual exchanges.
By actively engaging with diverse perspectives at the festival, BDIH seeks to contribute to shaping the technological future of Africa and fostering collaborations that transcend borders.
As BDIH navigated the discussions at the KUSI Ideas Festival, its presence exemplified a forward-thinking approach towards creating a sustainable and innovative future. The company is keenly positioned to explore new collaborations and insights that will propel Botswana and the broader African region towards becoming prominent players in the global technology landscape. The KUSI Ideas Festival is a valuable forum for BDIH to establish connections and lay the groundwork for a future where technology catalyses positive change and sustainable growth.
A Recap of the WIPO Engagement
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations that promotes the protection of intellectual property worldwide. On the 23rd of November 2023, the Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub hosted an engagement with Mr Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), in collaboration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA) and the Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub (BDIH).
Acting CEO of BDIH, Mr. Diane Mongudi opened the event by emphasizing that Intellectual Property is the lifeblood of innovation and progress.
Mr. Tang's visit was part of the broader African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO) Administrative Council and Council of Ministers, held from the 20th to the 25th of November 2023.
The event's highlight was Mr Tang's address to the Council of Ministers during the ARIPO meeting, emphasising the importance of intellectual property in the regional context. He highlighted the plans to collaborate with CIPA and various Ministries to establish the right policies and institutional structures for intellectual property across the country and introduce intellectual property education to young people in primary and secondary schools, making it a part of their educational journey. He mentioned training through the WIPO Academy, which has already trained two hundred and seventy thousand people in the last two years, including forty thousand from Africa, and only one thousand three hundred and fourteen are from Botswana.
Mr. Tang's interaction with Heads of Academic and Research Institutions provided stakeholders, innovators, and the media with valuable insights into collaborative efforts between Botswana and WIPO in intellectual property.
Dare to Dream-First Lego League Challenge
On the 24th of November 2023, the Botswana Digital & Innovation Hub (BDIH) and Dare to Dream hosted the First Lego League Challenge at the Icon Building. The First Lego League Challenge 2023 emerged as a platform showcasing the exceptional potential of Botswana's youth.
The event was graced by the presence of the Honourable Thulagano Merafe Segokgo, Minister of Communications, Knowledge, and Technology in Botswana and many more dignitaries and students from various regions across the country. This displayed the technological and innovative prowess inherent in the younger generation.
Minister Segokgo underscored the intentional and strategic focus on science and technology, emphasising the alignment of the event with the nation's developmental trajectory. He expressed how he was pleased to acknowledge that the event was not a coincidence but a planned and systematic approach to science and technology. The Minister also extended gratitude for the invaluable support from the private sector in robotics and coding, recognising its essential role in advancing the ministry's initiatives.
Furthermore, Minister Segokgo announced, "We, as a government, pledge to reward the champions of this competition, with today's victors representing Botswana at the 2024 Lego League Championships."
BDIH served as an inspiring backdrop for the competition, wherein teams showcased their inventive creations, transforming LEGO bricks into ingenious solutions for real-world challenges. It was an exciting day as the young innovators showed the boundless possibilities achievable by merging imagination with technology.
BDIH and Dare to Dream will continue to support these budding minds as they articulate their visions of the future, one LEGO piece at a time.