Editor's Note
The Botswana Digital & Innovation Hub (BDIH) is dedicated in its commitment to promoting innovation and its quest to building a thriving ecosystem of technology, entrepreneurship, and commercialisation within Botswana and beyond boarders.
BDIH continues to serve as a dynamic catalyst for innovation in the aim to support Botswana’s economic diversification efforts into a knowledge-based economy. With a dedicated Board of Directors, Executive Management, BDIH staff, partners, collaborators, and the innovators themselves representing diverse expertise and perspectives, we remain resolute in our duties to steer BDIH towards excellence and sustainable growth.
In this edition, you will appreciate more of our efforts, achievements and challenges we traverse in the journey of supporting innovative projects from incubation to commercially viable solutions.
We extend our gratitude to our partners, stakeholders and the vibrant community of innovators who continue to inspire us with their ingenuity and passion.
Ms. Kemiso Ben Editor-in-Chief
Agritech Innovation in Botswana
Anton Technology is an agricultural innovation that specialises in Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, computer vision and remote sensing technologies. With its biggest and leading project named Project Anton, it is one of the leading machine learning and deep learning technologies here to transform agricultural practices in the country. Using the power of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), satellites and other camera-equipped devices, Anton Technology is changing the way farmers detect pests, diseases and predict soil health.
Project Anton, a distributed Agritech solution that uses image data captured remotely to provide invaluable insights for farmers with drones equipped with high-resolution cameras. Anton Technology empowers farmers to monitor their fields with unmatched accuracy, detecting pests and diseases in real-time. This approach not only minimises crop damage but also optimises resource allocation, leading to sustainable farming practices.
Project Anton goes beyond pest and disease detection by offering predictive analytics for soil organic carbon (SOC) levels. By analysing imagery data collected from UAVs and satellites, Anton Technology can accurately forecast soil health metrics, enabling farmers to make data-driven decisions when it comes to fertilisation and soil management. This does not only enhance agricultural productivity but also promotes environmental sustainability by minimising the use of chemical inputs.
Anton Technology provides farmers with actionable insights and recommendations through its Agritech solutions, making itself a trusted partner in Botswana’s agricultural ecosystem. It helps them to overcome traditional challenges and embrace modern technology-driven farming practices.
As Botswana continues its journey to becoming a digital and innovation hub, Anton Technology is one of the lights of progress, paving the path to a future where technology empowers farmers and promotes sustainable growth across the continent, changing the agricultural landscape for years to come.
Botswana Digital AND Innovation Hub Hosts MIT Legatum Foundry Fellowship Immersion Event
The Botswana Digital & Innovation Hub (BDIH) recently organised a remarkable event in collaboration with the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
The event held on the 26th of January 2024, in Gaborone showcased the accomplishments of participants across Africa, who were part of the MIT Legatum Foundry Fellowship program.
His Excellency Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, the President of the Republic of Botswana, graced the occasion as the keynote speaker. The event intended to promote discussions on entrepreneurship, innovation and inclusive economic growth. This was with an emphasis on Africa's potential in these areas. Attendees included policymakers, local business leaders, innovators, academics and members of the media.
President Masisi highlighted the importance of economic diversification, particularly in light of Botswana's finite natural resources and outlined the national strategic development plan, "Vision 2036," which aims to transform Botswana into a knowledge-based economy. He stressed the role of the Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub in realising a thriving tech-driven and innovation-led sector and urged collaborative efforts between government, entrepreneurs and key players for sustainable development.
The Honourable Minister of Communications, Knowledge and Technology, Mr. Thulagano Merafe Segokgo, echoed President Masisi's sentiments, expressing enthusiasm for collaboration with the Legatum Foundry Fellows, calling to attention the power of entrepreneurship to address challenges and opportunities in Africa. He welcomed the fellows to partner closely with the Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub and encouraged engagement, exploration and collaboration for shaping a brighter future.
Closing off the event, Mr. Diane Mongudi, Acting CEO of BDIH, expressed gratitude to Ms. Dina Sherif and the entire Foundry Fellows for choosing Botswana as a destination for their ecosystem tour. He highlighted BDIH's role in stimulating conversations around innovation and facilitating opportunities for start-ups and innovators.
The event served as a significant platform for networking, collaboration and knowledge exchange, furthering Botswana's vision of becoming a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa and beyond.
Transforming SMME Financial Management
Ipachi Capital, a revolutionary mobile application, is changing the game for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) with its innovative approach to financial management.
Leveraging the power of machine learning, Ipachi Capital offers users a platform that streamlines payments, facilitates savings whilst providing access to investment and funding opportunities, all at their fingertips.
At the heart of Ipachi Capital lies its real-time record-keeping capabilities, empowering users to manage their finances with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency. This feature not only facilitates better decision-making but also unlocks capital, bringing SMMEs closer to their financial aspirations.
A standout feature of Ipachi Capital is its in-built robotic advisor, which delivers instant financial reports and advanced analytics. This tool equips users with valuable insights for efficient performance management, helping them stay ahead in today's competitive business ecosystem.
The recent success of Ipachi Capital at the Southern Africa Innovation Collaborative (SAIC) BOOST UP event in Nairobi, Kenya, highlights its impact and relevance in the start-up ecosystem. Alongside other remarkable start-ups like Mega Minds Nation and Women Power Investments, Ipachi Capital showcased its ability to deliver innovative solutions that address pressing societal challenges while leveraging cutting-edge technology.
In conclusion, Ipachi Capital stands as an example of the potential of technology-driven solutions to empowering SMMEs and driving economic growth. Ipachi Capital’s link to initiatives like BOOST UP, guarantees it will continue transforming the way SMMEs manage their finances whilst unlocking new opportunities for growth and prosperity.
Since its inception in 2017, Spectrum Analytics has been on a mission to change the way businesses tackle data with a vision of sustainable growth and prosperity across communities.
Spectrum Analytics believes in the potential of data to effect positive change. From the beginning, the company has been obligated to grasp data innovation to drive real outcomes, both for businesses and the wider society. By offering bespoke data analysis services and developing tailor-made applications, Spectrum Analytics empowers businesses to extract valuable insights, gaining a competitive edge in an increasingly data-driven world.
Their mission goes beyond just profit generation, the company actively looks out for projects with a social dimension, working closely with communities to address any pressing challenges there might be. One of the initiatives they have is their collaboration with developer communities to promote and encourage skills development, bridging the talent gap and empowering individuals to thrive in the digital age.
However, there has been a few challenges, because despite the continent's broad reservoirs of data, many organisations struggled to translate this resource into meaningful value. Undeterred, Spectrum Analytics turned its focus, evolving its products and services to better equip African enterprises in using the full potential of their data assets.
Spectrum Analytics is the best example of the spirit of data-driven innovation, using the power of data to drive positive change across Africa and it continues to be the leading force in the journey towards a more data-centric future for the continent.
Kenneth Setimela, Managing Director at Leverage Point, has been selected to participate in the prestigious 6th cohort of the Stanford Seed Transformation Program (STP) in collaboration with De Beers Group and Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Leverage Point, a proud beneficiary of the Botswana Innovation Fund (BIF) and housed at the Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub, Science and Technology Park, has been leading the revolutionary software development services. With a focus on automating business operations for small enterprises, Kenneth and the Leverage Point team have continuously strived to empower businesses without significant capital expenditure.
Leverage Point is gearing up to launch BusinessPoint, an ERP software solution for small businesses in Botswana and the SADC market. This will particularly address the evolving needs of businesses in our region and beyond. Kenneth's selection to the Stanford Seed Transformation Program not only honours his individual achievements but also shows our collective efforts as a team.
We celebrate and congratulate Kenneth on this well-deserved recognition. His participation in the Stanford Seed Transformation Program will without a doubt bring important insights and experiences that will further move forward Leverage Point towards greater success.
Farming with Technology in Botswana
Aimed at modernising age-old farming practices while adding efficiency and profitability for farmers, Tebogo Dichabeng and Thuto Gaotingwe, the innovative minds behind Modisar, have started a mission to empower Batswana farmers with software solutions designed for smooth record-keeping and activity tracking in the agricultural sector.
The inability to effectively manage and monitor livestock due to the demands of part-time farming and lack of efficient record-keeping systems are what led to the start of Modistar. Recognising the opportunity to bridge this gap, Tebogo and Thuto seized upon the idea of developing a software application made specifically to cap the needs of Botswana farmers experiencing similar situations.
"At Modisar, we believe in infusing technology into livestock management to revolutionise the way farming is done in Botswana," Tebogo shared, highlighting what pushed their innovative venture.
The Modisar platform offers comprehensive features including, daily stock-taking functionalities, vaccination scheduling, feeding management and access to pertinent industry information, such as buying and slaughter dates at the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC).
By digitising important farming tasks and centralising data management, Modisar empowers farmers to make informed decisions, optimise resource allocation and ultimately enhance productivity and profitability. Modisar plays an important role in attracting youth to the farming sector by exhibiting the opportunities for modernisation and innovation within agriculture.
The plans are to scale up Modisar's impact by securing investment from multinational investors and successful farmers in Botswana. Beyond financial support, these partnerships will provide invaluable insights and expertise, ensuring a long-term viability and growth of the start-up.
Modisar is a shining example of homegrown creativity and entrepreneurship. With its approach to grow technology for agricultural progress, Modisar is sure to accelerate transformative change within the farming community.
Unlocking Innovation: Q&A on Botswana Digital & Innovation Hub Icon Building with Mathiba Makolo- Director Property & Facilities
1. What was the primary source of inspiration behind the architectural design of the BDIH Icon building, and how does it reflect the values and mission of the innovation hub?
The overall design of the building was inspired by the cultural significance of the sane dunes and delta of Botswana. The embodied characteristics of these landscape features have remained visible and prominent most notably with the building massing, the facade expression and the landscape planning.
2. BDIH serves both startups and large businesses. Can you elaborate on the design elements or features that cater to the diverse needs of these entities within the same building?
The icon building was designed with accessibility and inclusivity in mind. The building has flexible workspaces that can be easily reconfigured to meet the needs of the occupants, movable fittings to allow for space re-use and re-planning. The presence of a carrier neutral data centre allows all occupants as well as non occupants to safely store their data in a secure, 24/7 monitored facility and not have a need to create space for a sever within their office spaces. The building has high speed connectivity which facilitates communication for both startups and established business with internal and external stakeholders
3. Innovation hubs often aim to bridge the gap between startups and established businesses. How does the Icon building facilitate this interaction and collaboration?
The building boasts dedicated collaboration zones such as open layout offices which cuts across from established business to startups, officers to directors, ample lounges across all bars and building levels, shared cafeteria, shared amenities like ablutions and kitchenettes and a tenant mix that doesn’t segregate start ups from large companies
4. What innovative technologies or sustainability features are incorporated into the building's design to align with the ethos of innovation and progress?
The Icon Building promotes Passive Energy Usage through ample glass or window facade which lets in Natural lighting. The windows are double glazed with an inert gas so it preserves the cool inside the building and doesn’t let in the heat from outside into the building. Preservation and enhancement of the natural environment through rain water harvesting system, using the rain screen cladding all round the building and drainage system for collecting and storing the water in an underground reservoir, which is used to water the amenity and roof garden TermoDeck technology of air-conditioning through the hollow-core concrete floor slabs. This technology reduces the greenhouse gases by means of reducing a/c electricity consumption by 40% - 60%, no fan coil units, few ducts (only vis vertical shafts), reduction in maintenance (up to 80%) and the cleanest air via concrete air shafts. Concrete has a pH of 13-14 which means that mould, fungus, yeast and little bacteria cannot survive – hence winning numerous international clean air. The roof has large overhangs, canopy to passively shade the building and these overhangs are repeated in the facade's deep articulation to maximise shading on the building's lower levels. The roof also contains a combination of vegetated areas planted with local and drought-tolerant species which survive the harsh heat with minimal watering and provides insulation.
5. Can you share insights into the unique challenges you faced when designing a space that accommodates entrepreneurs, businesses, and innovation-driven activities under one roof?
It is challenging to design spaces that will fulfill all the needs of a varied audience especially on a limited budget.
6. How does the Icon building contribute to addressing specific gaps or challenges in Botswana's innovation ecosystem, and what role does it play in supporting economic growth?
The Icon Building facility is meant to be the nexus of everything relating to innovation and technology. It is the confluence of seminars, events and relevant home for all matters relating to innovation and hence the tag line…’The Home of Innovation’.
7. The coexistence of startups and large businesses in the same facility is a unique approach. What benefits or synergies does this arrangement offer, and how does it foster innovation and growth?
The arrangement of housing startups and large business in the same facility has diverse benefits like; Collaboration and Networking Opportunities where both large companies and startups can benefit from possible partnerships or joint ventures, networking to share ideas and best practices and potential investment opportunities. Knowledge Transfer where startups can learn from the expertise of established businesses and large business are opened up to fresh innovative ideas from start ups. Sharing of available Resources like funding and mentorship, innovative ideas from startups which may serve as solutions for large companies, sharing of different skillsets, experiences and backgrounds
8. Sustainability is a crucial aspect of modern architecture. How does the Icon building incorporate sustainable practices and technologies to reduce its environmental footprint?
Green Technologies like insulated roofs, double glazed windows, slab cooling, sensor lighting system which only lights up when being utilised save energy and thereby reducing electricity consumption. The dual water saving flushing system saves water. Rainwater harvesting system collects and stares all the rain water and re-uses it to water all the gardens above, in and around the icon building.
9. Can you provide insights into any flexible or adaptable design features that allow the Icon building to evolve and meet the changing needs of its occupants over time?
The icon building is provided as a white box to all its occupants and the partitions installed in individual offices are partition boards which are not load bearing and can be easily removed to change the space to suit the needs of the occupants.
10. What considerations were taken into account to ensure that the Icon building provides a conducive environment for collaboration, creativity, and networking among its residents?
The spaces within the icon building are mostly open layout which fosters spontaneous interactions. Most offices all the way to Director level are open plan with plenty of co-working spaces for individuals and teams. Lounges, meetings rooms, pause areas and hot desking areas which are open to all occupants as well as non-resident members of the Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub. The buildings boasts 2 amenity gardens and a roof garden for recreation, relaxation, events and overall inspiration to get creative juices flowing and promote a sense of community. The external facade of the building as well as most internal partitions are glass which lets in natural light and view to the gardens. Whilst the building is still unfinished, there are interim collaboration zones like the cafeteria on bar 2 level 2, meeting rooms, trainings rooms and gaming labs for use by residents, but once complete, the building will have a 250 seater auditorium, wellness centre and a restaurant to provide a conducive environment for networking.
11. Are there any specific architectural elements or design choices that symbolize the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship within the BDIH building?
The Icon Building Facility is meant to look futuristic, thus inspiring innovation and technology while at the same time incapsulating elements of sustainability, simplicity, sophistication and practicality.
12. In your opinion, what makes the Icon building an iconic landmark in the context of innovation and entrepreneurship in Botswana, and how does it contribute to the nation's reputation in this field?
The design of the facility is a statement of intent to show support to the innovators and tech-preneurs. It is meant to be iconic in inspiring the ability to be limitless in inspiring the journey of moving from idea to putting products and services in the market.
13. Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the Icon building and its role in shaping the future of innovation and business in Botswana?
Chief of the aspiration is for the building to be completed. For the necessary funding to be availed so contractors can get back on site and complete the building so it supports innovation and bring vibrancy to the STP as was intended.
Amazon Web Services Graduation Program: Empowering Digital Transformation
In a transformative step towards empowering Botswana's digital future, the recent Amazon Web Services (AWS) Programme in partnership with Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub (BDIH) is redirecting inclusivity and technological advancement in Botswana. Through collaborative efforts with local partners especially UNICEF Botswana, which contributed financially towards the programme through their Generation Unlimited program. AWS aims to equip learners with essential skills required to excel in the digital age, irrespective of their backgrounds.
AWS re/Start, a flagship training program, stands for inclusivity and empowerment. By breaking down barriers to entry and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented groups and minorities, AWS re/Start represents the ethos of levelling the playing field in the tech industry. This initiative not only addresses the skills gap but also strengthens the fabric of the workforce by embracing diversity and inclusion.
The program's design is crafted to cater to learners with varying levels of experience, ensuring accessibility to all, regardless, those without a prior technology background can venture into a transformative journey towards a career in cloud computing. Through comprehensive coursework and real-world scenarios, students not only attain technical proficiency but can also harness invaluable professional skills necessary for navigating the competitive job market.
The recent AWS re/Start graduation in Botswana marked a significant milestone as numerous learners successfully cleared the AWS Cloud Practitioner and AWS Solutions exams. This accomplishment not only emphasise the excellence and hard work of the participants but also highlights the success of the program in preparing them for the industry's demands.
During the graduation ceremony, Mr. Diane Mongudi, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub (BDIH), stressed the strategic importance of the partnership with AWS. He emphasised how this collaboration serves as a catalyst for innovation and international collaboration, aiding the exchange of knowledge and skills essential for driving Botswana's digital transformation. He continued to highlight that BDIH and UNICEF's commitment to digital skills development is showcased by the recent enrolment of 90 learners in the program. The 90 learners are expected to complete the program in July 2024.
Looking forward, AWS in Botswana is certain to heighten its impact by facilitating connections between graduates and potential employers. By rationalising job placements, the program will continue to pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future in the cloud computing industry. Together, with a shared vision for Botswana's digital expertise, AWS and its local partners remain committed to unlocking opportunities and driving sustainable economic growth through technology and innovation.
BDIH Partners with CSEd Botswana to Bring Hour of Code to Students Across the Nation
The Botswana Digital & Innovation Hub is proud to partner with Computer Science Education Botswana (CSEd), an initiative within the Faculty of Maths and Science Education at the University of Botswana, to bring the Hour of Code event to schools across Botswana.
Hour of Code is a global initiative aimed at promoting computer science education and encouraging people of all ages, particularly students and educators, to learn the basics of coding in a fun and accessible way.
On March 14th 2024, this event marked a step in expanding access to computer science education and promote enthusiasm for technology among students and educators across Botswana. The Hour of Code initiative aimed to demonstrate that coding is accessible to everyone, regardless of background or experience, and can be an engaging and enjoyable learning experience.
Through this partnership, CSEd Botswana reached over 6000 students and 400 teachers in more than 200 schools across Botswana. The event encompassed activities for different age groups and skill levels, making sure that participants receive a comprehensive introduction to computer science concepts and programming.
Students across different educational levels in Botswana were exposed to diverse aspects of technology through a structured curriculum facilitated by code.org materials. Primary school students delved into Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, learning to train AI machines to identify objects while considering ethical implications. Junior secondary students engaged in hands-on programming activities using block-based languages, incorporating key concepts and cultural languages like Setswana. Senior secondary students advanced their skills with a text-based language, Hedy, creating systems reflecting cultural dynamics, leveraging their native language for buyer-seller interactions.
BDIH is excited to support CSEd Botswana in this initiative, recognising the importance of equipping students with digital skills and preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of the future.