For one week, Shakawe became a national hub for science, innovation and knowledge-sharing as the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Innovation (MCI), hosted the 2026 National Science Week as part of Botswana’s annual National Science Month.

Held under the theme “Harnessing Science, Technology, Innovation and Indigenous Knowledge for a Prosperous Botswana,” the programme brought together government, academia, researchers, innovators, industry, development partners, teachers, learners and communities from across the Okavango Region and beyond.

The 2026 commemoration marked the 10th National Science Week of the Republic of Botswana. Taking the national celebration to Shakawe was particularly significant, given the area’s rich natural environment and generations of indigenous knowledge relating to water, wildlife, plants, climate and natural resource management.

At the official opening on 18 August 2026, Assistant Minister of Communications and Innovation and Member of Parliament for Gaborone North, Hon. Shawn Ntlhaile, emphasized the importance of making science accessible to communities. He noted that science should not be viewed as something confined to laboratories and universities, but as a tool that belongs in communities and can help address everyday challenges.

Hon. Ntlhaile also traced the origins of Botswana’s National Science Month to the 2008 SADC call for member states to celebrate research, science, technology and innovation. Since then, the initiative has evolved into an important platform for raising awareness, encouraging investment and strengthening public engagement in science and innovation.

For BIUST, the week provided an opportunity to advance its mandate in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), research and innovation, while strengthening its engagement with communities. BIUST Director of Outreach and Engagement, Dr Haniso Motlhabane, explained that a key objective of the programme was to take STEAM to the people and demonstrate its relevance to everyday life. The activities encouraged communities to recognise that science and mathematics are not simply classroom concepts but are closely connected to the challenges and phenomena encountered in everyday life.

Indigenous knowledge was central to the week’s discussions. A roundtable examined its role in socio-economic transformation, while another explored climate resilience through indigenous knowledge systems. Participants also took part in knowledge-sharing sessions on aquatic weed management and human-wildlife conflict. The discussions highlighted the value of bringing community knowledge and modern scientific approaches together to support inclusive and sustainable development.

A key outcome was the launch of the Shakawe/Mohembo Aquaculture Legacy Project, led and developed by the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) as the 2026 National Science Week Legacy Project. The initiative seeks to establish a practical and sustainable fish-farming model with the potential to contribute to food security, skills development, entrepreneurship, job creation, income generation and economic diversification. It could also expand into aquaponics, integrating fish production with horticulture in a resource-efficient system.

For the Ministry, the project demonstrated how research can translate into practical and lasting benefits for communities, reinforcing the importance of research that responds directly to societal needs. Young people were at the heart of the programme, with learners given opportunities to build, experiment, debate and explore. A Makeathon challenged secondary school students to develop practical solutions, while a Hackathon engaged primary school pupils in technology and problem-solving.

Teachers also participated in workshops on astronomy and Inquiry-Based Science Education (IBSE), while students received hands-on exposure to Foldscopes. A stargazing session further combined scientific observation with traditional knowledge of astronomy, creating a unique learning experience under the Okavango sky. The programme also featured seminars and workshops on intellectual property, tourism business opportunities, aquatic weed management and human-wildlife conflict.

At the closing ceremony, BIUST Director of Technology Transfer, Dr Tiroyaone Tshukudu, who delivered remarks on behalf of Deputy Vice Chancellor – Research, Development and Innovation, Professor Joseph Chuma, reflected on the achievements of the week.Dr Tshukudu highlighted the value of bringing science and indigenous knowledge into conversation and creating opportunities for young people to develop practical skills and engage with innovation. He noted that the innovators’ exhibition also provided opportunities for innovators to receive guidance on the path towards commercialisation, while student competitions helped build the skills and confidence of Botswana’s emerging innovators.

The success of the National Science Week was supported by institutions across Botswana’s research, science, technology and innovation ecosystem. BIUST worked alongside the University of Botswana, Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN), Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI), New Era Secondary School, Botswana Defence Force, Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA) and other stakeholders and exhibitors. International participation further broadened the programme, with delegates from South Africa, the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cuba, India, Kenya and other partner countries contributing to the activities.

As the week concluded, BIUST emphasized that the impact of National Science Week should extend beyond the closing ceremony and the dismantling of exhibitions. Dr Tshukudu called for the momentum generated during the week to continue through classrooms, communities and institutions, with initiatives such as the aquaculture project, youth engagements, policy discussions and intellectual property awareness continuing to create value beyond the national celebration.

The week demonstrated that Shakawe was more than a host location. It became a space where science, innovation, indigenous knowledge and young people’s ideas converged around a shared goal of addressing community needs and supporting national development.

For BIUST, the 2026 National Science Week reaffirmed its commitment to Driving Change—not only through research and innovation, but by ensuring that knowledge reaches communities, responds to their realities and contributes to building a more prosperous and sustainable Botswana.