Botswana

Science Granting Council

Summary

The Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research Science and Technology exists to provide and build knowledge and innovation through the development and implementation of Policy on Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology to transform Botswana in to a knowledge based society through effective stakeholder collaboration.

Council details

The Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology leads Botswana’s national efforts to advance research, science, and technology. Its vision is to drive sustainable development through research that benefits the economy and improves the quality of life for all Batswana.

The Ministry aims to build a robust research and innovation ecosystem. This includes effective research management and increasing the impact of science and technology on national development. By promoting collaboration across sectors, the Ministry ensures that research aligns with Botswana’s development goals.

Establishing the Botswana National Research Fund

Plans are underway to launch the Botswana National Research Fund (BNRF). The Fund will serve as a key pillar in the country’s science and innovation ecosystem. Its responsibilities will include developing a national research strategy and fostering partnerships between the government, private sector, and international stakeholders.

The BNRF will also facilitate cross-border collaboration with other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Its creation is a significant step toward a coordinated and strategic approach to research funding and innovation in Botswana.

A Member of the SGCI Since 2016

Botswana has been a member of the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) since 2016. The SGCI works to strengthen the institutional capacities of Science Granting Councils across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Through this partnership, Botswana has benefited from training in research management, ethics, and intellectual property. It has also collaborated with 12 other countries on joint research projects, such as a funding call with the Research Council of Zimbabwe (RCZ).

The SGCI’s strategic support extends beyond financial aid. It builds the institutional capacity needed to manage research effectively. This includes developing skills in grant management, monitoring and evaluation, and policy development.

Botswana hosted the SGCI Annual Forum in Gaborone in 2024, welcoming participants from across the region to exchange insights and best practices.

Leadership Perspective: Research funding creating impactful outcomes in Botswana

In an insightful interview, Lesego Thamae, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Botswana Ministry of Communications, Knowledge and Technology, highlights how Botswana is making concrete impact through research and innovation.

Impact we’re having

Low-tech health app engages

Five years after its launch, PENSA – a mobile app developed in Mozambique— has been accessed by…

Read Story

SGCI funded projects

drone in Africa demonstrating the use of science and technology

Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Malawi collaborate on science and technology projects

Project Titles & Institutions Areas of Research Biotechnology, mining technology, space science, digital communication technologies, climate smart technologies, AI, agro-processing and renewable energy Number of Projects being funded In-kind Distribution In-kind support (~USD 5K each) covering…

| |
Trucks on a mining site in Botswana

Botswana Institutions pioneer water, mining, and tech solutions

Project Titles & Institution Areas of Research Mineral Technology, value addition, and/or beneficiation Number of Projects being funded 4 projects (2 collaborative and the other two solely by Botswana) Project Duration 19 months Grant Amount…

Related News

A cross section of SGCI members at the 2025 all partners meeting.

Call for expert consultancy: Intersectional dimension of gender-sensitive drought management in East Africa

The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) and the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) invite qualified experts to contribute to a scoping study and assessment report on “The intersectional dimension of gender-sensitive drought management in East Africa.” The consultancy will provide technical input for…

Researchers observing the blocking making process in the machine. Credit: Prof Callistus Tengan

Harnessing traditional materials for climate-smart development in Ghana

In Ghana, communities are rediscovering the potential of traditional building materials to drive sustainability and climate resilience. A research team led by Callistus Tengan, professor of construction management at Bolgatanga Technical University, is advancing this mission by integrating eco-friendly materials, renewable energy, and smart technologies…

Santiago Alba-Corral, Vice-President of Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

SGCI communiqué reaffirms councils’ role in Africa’s STI agenda

The Science Granting Councils Initiative in Sub-Saharan Africa (SGCI) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Africa’s science, technology, and innovation (STI) agenda. At a two-day meeting from 18-19 September in Accra, representatives of 20 national Science Granting Councils, joined by the African Union Commission (AUC),…