Botswana has only 3 registered patents

Botswana-based research and innovation institutions have so far produced 14 diverse innovations and inventions. They include a foot and mouth diagnostic strip; drought resistant cowpeas and Signcoach computer application – all of which have been patented. Assistant Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology Fidelis Molao said the three patents have been officially registered.One has been registered with Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA) in Gaborone and two with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). Molao noted that while the number was low, the three patents show great potential in research applications and national development and urged Batswana to be more innovative and come up with inventions that were exclusive to Botswana but could still be marketed and sold globally. While innovations aimed at preserving countries’ culture and indigenous knowledge are embraced, research indicates that there is a growing demand for innovations that not only address challenges in Africans’ day-to-day life and improve their socio-economic conditions, but those that also have economic benefits and can in the long-term contribute to economic diversity and growth. EuroMonitor recently held its first conference in Johannesburg, South Africa and the global market research company presented top trends that drive innovation in sub-Saharan Africa. A report indicates that there is long-term benefit in assisting mostly semi-urban and rural communities have access to basic services such as water, electricity and agricultural expertise. It also indicates that while urbanisation has been a standard metric that defines the development of each nation, things are changing as other people seek opportunities in rural areas. The research findings also established that sustainability is a key issue of interest, and there was increased demand for innovations that respond to climate change, in the backdrop of increased drought, water shortages, floods and heat waves. There is also a demand for local ingredients as Africa lacks technical expertise for food processing. Technology remains a key contributor to innovation as technology continues to render opportunities to make people’s lives easier. In terms of the retail sector, technology is leading the pack as people explore creative payment systems and access to other basic services. The findings however note that while many Africans are embracing modern technology, they also want to keep their cultural and social nuances alive.