The Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) recently hosted a high-level delegation from Supple, Fortress Equity, and the GYBR Lead Consortium for strategic discussions with the university’s management team. The engagement explored a potential partnership to establish both a Technopark and a Data Centre for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on BIUST grounds.
In his welcome remarks, Professor Totolo underscored that the envisioned Technopark would transcend being a physical structure to become a hub of opportunity. “It will be a platform of opportunity , a place where innovative ideas will be nurtured into viable products, where prototypes will be refined into market-ready solutions, and where partnerships will grow into thriving enterprises,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor reiterated that BIUST’s mandate extends beyond teaching and research to fostering an ecosystem where academia and industry intersect. He described the institution’s guiding pillar of becoming a “university of industries,” noting that such collaborations could create countless employment opportunities for young people in Palapye and across Botswana. The Technopark is envisioned as a launchpad for start-ups, incubators, and joint ventures that will provide students with real-world exposure and meaningful professional training.
Responding to BIUST’s vision, Dr. Pali Lehohla, Chairperson of Supple and former Statistician-General of South Africa, expressed enthusiasm for the potential collaboration. “We are excited to partner with BIUST to develop a Technopark and Data Centre, and we will work to make it possible for students to gain longer study opportunities abroad,” he affirmed.
However, Dr. Lehohla also offered a word of caution. While data centres represent critical infrastructure for digital transformation, they are also energy-intensive, accounting for nearly 40% of energy consumption linked to environmental degradation. He therefore urged the partnership to embrace eco-friendly and sustainable solutions, ensuring that the project contributes positively to both technological progress and environmental stewardship.
Mr. Madoda Hlatshwayo, Finance Manager at Fortress Equity, echoed the transformative potential of the initiative.
“We are determined to contribute to and build a societal monument that will stand the test of time. We are here to join in the inspiring journey that BIUST has set in motion,” he said.
Adding to the dialogue, BIUST Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I), Professor Abraham Atta Ogwu, emphasized the importance of securing third-stream income to support the University’s long-term financial sustainability. He expressed confidence that the proposed partnership would not only advance BIUST’s research and innovation agenda but also strengthen its position as a self-sustaining institution capable of leading in regional development.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor further highlighted that innovation hubs such as the proposed Technopark are crucial in accelerating Botswana’s transition from a resource-driven economy to a knowledge-based one. By attracting investment, nurturing homegrown solutions, and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, BIUST aims to catalyze transformative change across multiple sectors, from energy and ICT to health, agriculture, and advanced manufacturing.
The meeting concluded with optimism, as all parties expressed confidence that the collaboration would yield tangible results. For BIUST, the initiative represents a step toward its aspiration of becoming a globally recognized centre for science, engineering, and innovation. For the visiting partners, it signals an opportunity to invest in a project that not only drives economic growth but also delivers long-lasting societal impact.