BIH expects P1.5bn investment in 3 years
Botswana Innovation Hub (BIH) has developed a three-year strategic plan in pursuit of high levels of corporate performance, Botswana Guardian has learnt. BIH which is currently constructing the iconic Science and Technology Park (STP) building in Gaborone’s Block 8, says the 2016/19 Strategy recognises that moving into STP will require a paradigm shift from managing mainly a large property development project towards establishing a creative and value added network.
This is with a physical connecting point being the residents and tenants of the Science Park who will represent the core. BIH Chief Executive, Alan Boshwaen explains that, “this network will mobilise existing potential problem solvers, scientists, experts and entrepreneurs towards Vision 2036 and the ideals of developing a knowledge intensive, diversified, competitive and productive society that creates sustainable wealth for its people and the region.
“Through this innovation community, BIH will attract concentration of selected anchor tenants, other businesses, support companies, and technology start-ups onto the Park.”
The BIH Science and Technology Park presents opportunities for physical hi-tech investments. Guided by the BIH mixed use zone plan, Botswana Guardian can reveal that there has been an increase in leased land allocations of up to 31 percent. This includes hi-tech companies and support service infrastructure.
According to Boswaen and his Chairman Neo Moroka in the company’s 2016 annual report, “a total investment worth P1.5 Billion is expected in the next three years with other spin off benefits such as job creation and technology readiness.” In order to meet the increasing demands for ICT infrastructure and services, BIH has noted that it continues to seek investors locally and internationally.
As part of BIH’s strategic intent, Moroka says “we strive to be an innovative and networked organisation that promotes technology, entrepreneurship and commercialisation on a purpose-built Science and Technology Park”.
In pursuit of such a strategic intent, a number of initiatives were undertaken by BIH during the period under review. These included BIH co-hosting the Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) 2016 together with the Ministry of Infrastructure Science and Technology, and Africa Innovation Foundation (AIF).
BIH is aimed to develop and operate a science and technology park to aid in diversifying the economy and help transform Botswana into a knowledge-based economy. It also intends to add value to existing companies, foster entrepreneurship and technology transfer, generate knowledge-based jobs and attract innovative companies and institutions to BIH.
