The Innovation Botswana Day 2023 hosted by Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub (BDIH) on the 26th of October 2023 boasted several notable speakers present on the day.
Following the keynote address given by the Minister of Communications, Knowledge and Technology, Honourable Thulagano Segokgo, the festivities began with a panel discussion on the role of innovation in the knowledge economy. This panel discussion, moderated by the Managing Director of Gravitas Investments, Lorato Moakgomo, discussed the ins and outs of what a “knowledge-based economy” looks like. On the panel were prominent members of the public and private sector, including Boyce Sebetela, Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Richie Molaosi, Director of the UB Innovation Centre, and Arun Iyer, founder and CEO of Alpha Direct.
Referencing Chapter 3, Pillar 1 of the Vision 2036 agenda, the panellists discussed the goals and challenges of developing a knowledge-based economy, the need to foster mentor-mentee relationships with young innovators, and integrating emerging trends in innovation and technology into the education system in Botswana.
The second-panel discussion spoke to the role of innovation, science and technology in championing the economic inclusion agenda. Moderated by the CEO of Data Sentinels, Nono Bokete, the panel included the likes of Helen Chilisa, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Entrepreneurship, Aditya Ram from Angel Network Botswana, and Tavonga Muchuchuti, president at Fintech Association Botswana.
This panel discussion spoke to issues to be addressed in further improving digital infrastructure and closing the digital divide in Botswana.