30/05/2026
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MCI this Thursday took another significant step towards strengthening its position in global science, research and innovation as the Minister of Communications and Innovation, Honourable David Tshere, hosted the Director General of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Dr Lawrence Banks.
The high-level stakeholder engagement meeting brought together Ministers and Permanent Secretaries from partner Ministries in the research, science, technology and innovation space to deliberate on Botswanaβs possible accession to the ICGEB, a globally recognised intergovernmental organisation advancing research and innovation in biotechnology and genetic engineering.
In his remarks, Honourable David Tshere described the engagement as an important milestone in Botswanaβs pursuit of science, technology and innovation as key enablers of socio-economic transformation.
He expressed gratitude to Dr. Banks for visiting Botswana and acknowledged the recent invitation extended to Botswana to attend the ICGEB Board of Governors meeting in Cape Town as observers, noting that the gesture reflects the organisationβs commitment to strengthening international scientific collaboration.
Honourable Tshere highlighted that the world is rapidly evolving through advances in biotechnology, genetic engineering, artificial intelligence and digital innovation, technologies that are transforming economies, improving healthcare systems, strengthening food security and creating opportunities for sustainable development.
He noted that as Botswana advances the aspirations of Vision 2036 and the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme, it is critical for the country to position itself within global innovation ecosystems that can accelerate national development.
The Minister further emphasised Governmentβs interest in exploring partnerships with the ICGEB in areas such as research, training, technology transfer and capacity building in biotechnology and related sciences. He underscored the importance of aligning such collaborations with Botswanaβs National Research Agenda (2025β2030).
Among the potential benefits discussed during the consultations were expanded access to international research networks and centres of excellence for Botswanaβs researchers and students, enhanced biotechnology research and innovation, improved agricultural productivity and food security, stronger responses to public health challenges, and support for industrialisation and the growth of a knowledge-based economy.
Honourable Tshere reiterated that meaningful progress in science and innovation can only be achieved through collaboration between Government, academia, industry, researchers and international partners. He encouraged stakeholders to engage openly and constructively throughout the consultations to ensure that Botswanaβs future engagement with the ICGEB aligns with national priorities and the countryβs long-term development agenda.
As the Ministry responsible for Communications and Innovation, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to creating an enabling environment for research, innovation and technology development, while strengthening Botswanaβs global competitiveness through strategic partnerships, thus the need to make sure that stakeholders are engaged and alignment across the RSTI ecosystem developed.
