The Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology Mr Thapelo Olopeng, officiated at the third BITRI Open Day yesterday. In his keynote address, the Minister said the open day Open Day was meant for BITRI to showcase its products and services including its scientific and technology innovation capacity and expertise to members of the public. He said the creation of BITRI was a systematic and deliberate move towards creating a sustainable ecosystem of development through technological innovation. “The presence of a profound science and technology institution in place fosters and drives a culture of research and development, resulting in innovative solutions and outputs that have an impact on productivity and stimulation of economic growth” he elaborated.

The Minister acknowledged that science and technology are key drivers of development, because technological and scientific revolutions underpin economic advances, including improvements in agriculture, health systems, education and infrastructure. The Minister encouraged BITRI to take the Open Day outside Gaborone to share information about BITRI with communities around the country. He says this will enhance the BITRI brand visibility. “I also believe that hosting this open day in various communities will help us to identify innovations amongst members of the public which we can support and nurture.

In order for us to produce graduates who can compete in the global space in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, we must develop our students from grass-roots level. I am pleased to note that students from primary school level to tertiary, have been invited to attend this open day. The intention is to show them what science and technology can do for development” said the Minister.

The Open day was graced by the MoTE Permanent Secretary Dr Theophilus Mooko, Members of the Diplomatic corps, Chairperson of the BITRI Board of Directors Prof Sesae Mpuchane, other BITRI Members of the BITRI Board of Directors, government representatives, BITRI management and staff, the media as well as members of the public. Schools, from primary to tertiary also graced the day and were taken on conducted tours of the exhibits.