The Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI) recently took part in the 2026 National Science Week in Shakawe village in the Okavango district. The event was held from the 17^th to the 21^st of August under the theme “Harnessing Science, Technology, Innovation and Indigenous Knowledge to Drive Economic Diversification for a Prosperous Botswana.”  The event presented an opportunity for BITRI to engage directly with the community of Shakawe and surrounding area, whose natural environment and accumulated indigenous knowledge speak to the very purpose of applied research.

The official opening on the 18^th of August was officiated by Assistant Minister of Communications and Innovation, Honourable Shawn Ntlhaile who said that hosting the event in Shakawe brought  together researchers, communities, and government leaders to hatch ways to advance socio-economic development indices as the Northwest catchment region is endowed with extraordinary environmental, indigenous knowledge and cultural resources that have the potential to be turned into tangible products and services. Honourable Ntlhaile added that communities should be part of identifying problems, testing solutions, and determining whether technologies work in their conditions, and simply as consumers of products hatched in laboratories situated in urban areas.

“The true value of science lies in applying knowledge to improve lives. The event therefore connects researchers, communities, entrepreneurs, Government and industry around practical solutions for Botswana’s development,” elaborated Honourable Ntlhaile.

Honourable Ntlhaile’s pronouncements dovetailed off the sentiments expressed by the Minister of Communications and Innovation, Honourable David Tshere, who when delivering the official address during the launch, called upon young people, researchers, and entrepreneurs to align with the National Research Agenda 2025 – 2030 and embrace science and innovation as pathways to entrepreneurship and national development.  

BITRI exhibition focused on the Institute’s Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) capabilities in environmental monitoring, agriculture, water and related applications, as well as in data-driven decision-making; and TV White Space (TVWS) in improving connectivity and access, particularly in areas where conventional connectivity infrastructure may be constrained. Additionally, the exhibition infused the Digitalisation strand as pronounced in the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP) by positioning BITRI as a potential driver of the Smart Government through the creation of unified digital platforms for the provision of public services.

BITRI’s participation reflected its mandate as Botswana’s national Research and Development (R&D) institution that conducts needs-based research and turn it into practical technologies that address national priorities.  Throughout the week, the BITRI stand served as a vibrant hub of engagement, drawing in learners, educators, and community members eager to explore the frontline of local innovation. By showcasing critical research in renewable energy, climate change adaptation, and mineral beneficiation alongside live demonstrations of cutting-edge products like the Seding^® LED Solar Light, Fleetell Management System, and 3D-printed prototypes, the exhibition highlighted BITRI’s pivotal role in driving sustainable development and technical advancement for the nation’s future.