The Research and Partnerships team consisting of Lesego Moribame; Communications Manager and Kesupemang Pitlagano; Technology Transfer Officer addressed the Palapye Sub-District Extension Team on Monday 18th April. The aim of the address was to create awareness about BITRI as an organization as well as sensitize the local authority on invented technologies ready for adoption as well as those in the pipe line.

The Team was impressed and appreciated BITRI’s efforts in educating, informing and sensitizing them about its mandate and technologies as this offered them an opportunity to figure out how best they can partner with BITRI or adopt and use its technologies to improve the living standards of their people. The Seding light and mobile tutoring app caught the attention of many of them as they are eager to transform the village street lighting to solar. In his remarks the Deputy District Commissioner Mr Ernest Phiri said BITRI came at an opportune time when the Special Economic Zone Authority also came to brief them that Palapye has been zoned to focus on coal beneficiation. He was delighted that BITRI‘s Specialty Chemicals Unit is doing research on coal beneficiation. He said it is an opportunity to work with BITRI in this regards. Mr Phiri also commended BITRI for focusing their research based on the needs of Batswana. He further said Technology is the way to go if Botswana is to diversify the economy and move to the next level.

For his part when giving the vote of thanks the CEDA Branch Manager Mr Khumiso said he was particularly impressed with the BITRI philosophy “Technology Solutions, From you, To us, For you” saying it shows BITRI’s commitment to stay relevant by addressing real issues faced by people, from the people. He also commended the ICT Associates programme saying that the youths need to be mentored so that they create their own employment and for their peers.

The address is part of the Research and Partnerships stakeholder engagement plan to create awareness about BITRI and its projects. The address, the 7th in a space of month will be followed by participation at the World Intellectual Property Day slated for April 26, 2017 in D’Kar. Technology Transfer Officer, Mr Kesupemang Pitlagano and Communications Officer, Mr Frank Rakgomo will represent BITRI. Details of the event will be published on the Weekly Briefs of Friday 28 April.

The District Extension Team is the local authority of the District made up of all heads of government departments and parastatals with offices in the District. They are responsible for all District development matters, hence the perfect customers for BITRI products and services.