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The University of Botswana (UB) reaffirmed its commitment to driving Botswana’s knowledge-based economy and industrial transformation during its “Innovation in Action” showcase hosted at the UNiPOD on the 3rd of November 2025. The event was held in honour of the visit by Director of the Regional Service Centre, Mr Matthias Naab, for Africa at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), who was in Botswana to strengthen collaboration on innovation and sustainable development.

The showcase provided a platform for UB innovators to present products, services and inventions developed within the UNiPOD, underscoring the University’s growing role in research commercialisation, entrepreneurship and national economic growth.

In his welcome remarks, UB Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, highlighted the University’s strategic focus on research and innovation as key drivers of economic transformation. “Africa's institutes of higher learning are coming to the forefront and contributing towards their countries’ economic emancipation,” he said. Professor Norris emphasised that UB was harmonising research and innovation through the UNiPOD to translate academic knowledge into practical solutions. “We are ready for commercialisation and driving Botswana’s economic growth,” he added.

Echoing the same sentiment, Mr Matthias Naab commended UB for fostering innovation that empowered youth to become Africa’s next generation of problem solvers. “We are creating the next generation of problem solvers within the University spaces and beyond,” he said. Mr Naab noted that there were currently 14 UNiPODs across Africa established under UNDP’s Timbuktu Innovation Flagship Framework which nurtures thematic hubs in sectors such as FinTech, MineTech, Manufacturing Tech, AgroTech, Green Tech and Creative Tech.

Representing the Government of Botswana and Ministry of Higher Education, Permanent Secretary, Professor Richard Tabulawa, underscored the importance of global partnerships in advancing innovation. “The UNiPOD is a space where ideas are transformed into prototypes, where research meets real-world challenges and where our youth are empowered to design solutions that improve lives,” he said. Professor Tabulawa added that the initiative aligned with Vision 2036, National Transformation Strategy and Botswana’s Research, Science, Technology and Innovation Policy.

He further stressed that innovation was now the “engine of progress” in a rapidly changing world defined by digital transformation, artificial intelligence and renewable energy - emphasising Botswana’s strategic move towards a knowledge-based economy.

UNDP Resident Representative, Ms Lovita Ramguttee, described UNiPOD as a Pan-African initiative that embedded innovation within African economies. “It gives youth the support and space to contribute as problem solvers, innovators, entrepreneurs and industry shapers,” she said. Ms. Ramguttee highlighted that as Botswana moves towards implementing its 12th National Development Plan, innovation will be central to the country’s Economic Transformation Programme.

She encouraged young innovators to believe in their potential to drive national progress, noting that the UNiPOD could serve as a hub for nurturing Botswana’s next generation of creators and changemakers.

The Innovation in Action showcase concluded with demonstrations of projects developed at UB’s UNiPOD, reinforcing the University’s role as a key player in advancing innovation-led economic growth, youth empowerment and sustainable development in Botswana and the region.