
In a historic move, the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) welcomed the Mileage Group on January 24, 2024, for a momentous courtesy call, solidifying their collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA).
The key focus of this partnership is the establishment of a groundbreaking Drone Assembly and Testing Center at BIUST, signaling a shared commitment to innovation, technology, and skills development in the field of drone technology.
Mr. Miles Nan, the Managing Director of the Mileage Group and the Drone Technology Center (DTC) as well as the Drone Repair Center (DRC), emphasized the importance of collective efforts between government and private enterprises for the progress of the nation. Nan expressed his willingness to utilize his extensive connections to bridge Asian technologies to Botswana, underlining the potential for fruitful collaborations and valuable actions.
The MoA, building upon a previously signed Memorandum of Understanding in September 2023, marks a significant milestone in the partnership. The BIUST Vice Chancellor, Professor Otlogetswe Totolo, and Mr. Miles Nan stressed the pivotal role of university-industry collaborations as the cornerstone of a transformative economic agenda.
The establishment of the Drone Assembly and Testing Center at BIUST is expected to support teaching, learning, and research excellence in drone technology. The facility will provide various opportunities for students, including internships, attachments, and employment. Additionally, faculty members are poised to benefit from training opportunities and potential research funding.
At the national level, the project is anticipated to contribute to economic sectors such as agriculture, tourism, infrastructure monitoring, and anti-poaching. The collaboration aims to foster innovation, technology, and skill development in targeted fields, aligning with the broader goal of supporting sustainable development and technological advancement in the region.
During the official ceremony, Professor Totolo expressed gratitude to the Mileage Group for their instrumental role in various activities over the past half-year. He highlighted the success of their collaboration, including participation in the China-Africa Trade and Economic Expo and facilitating meetings with Chinese companies during his visit to Beijing.