Botswana’s Commitment to Research: Laying the groundwork for innovation

Although Botswana does not yet have a dedicated science agency, it has demonstrated a strong commitment to research and innovation through active participation in the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI).

In this video interview, Lesego Thamae, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications, Knowledge and Technology, reflects on the country’s eight-year involvement with SGCI and how it has influenced Botswana’s research landscape.

The Ministry currently oversees the country’s research agenda, with plans underway to launch the Botswana National Research Fund (BNRF) by April 2025.

The fund will help institutionalize research funding, strengthen research management, and boost science’s contribution to national development.

Historically, research funding in Botswana has been disbursed through line ministries.

“That hasn’t stopped—it’s still ongoing,” says Thamae, “but the budget allocated to research has been increasing gradually.”

Today, the Ministry plays a coordinating role, ensuring that national research efforts are cohesive and adequately resourced. Botswana has also deepened regional collaborations, notably through joint SGCI funding calls with the Zimbabwe Commission for Research. This cooperation, along with SGCI’s broader network of 12 partner countries, has expanded Botswana’s experience and visibility.

Additionally, Botswana has increased project funding and encouraged private sector participation. A notable milestone was the 2023 Research in Excellence Awards, which celebrated research impact and innovation.

“We aim to make a tangible impact in Botswana while contributing to innovation across the continent,” Thamae concludes.

Watch the full interview with Lesego Thamae to learn how Botswana is shaping its future through research and regional collaboration.