News

The University of Botswana Okavango Research Institute (ORI) has enhanced its research and training capacity following the handover of high-end computers donated by the government of the United States of America through its Embassy in Botswana. The ceremony, held at the ORI campus in Maun on the 22nd of January 2026, underscored the strong and enduring partnership between Botswana and the United States, rooted in shared values of education, innovation and sustainable development.

Speaking at the event, Acting Minister of Higher Education, Hon Shawn Ntlhaile, described the donation as a reflection of a long-standing bilateral relationship that prioritised knowledge and capacity development. He noted that tertiary education and research had been central to Botswana–US cooperation through scholarships, institutional partnerships, research support and infrastructure development.

Hon Ntlhaile emphasised that the new equipment directly supported Botswana’s goal of building a knowledge-based economy. He highlighted the growing importance of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and geospatial technologies in addressing challenges such as climate change, environmental management, biodiversity conservation, land-use planning and disaster risk reduction.

“For an institute located in the heart of the Okavango Delta, one of the world’s most important ecosystems, advanced GIS capacity is a strategic necessity,” he said, adding that the donation would strengthen Botswana’s ability to manage and protect this World Heritage Site.

UB Acting Vice Chancellor, Mr Dawid Katzke, welcomed the donation, describing it as a timely boost to ORI’s research infrastructure. Mr Katzke reaffirmed the University’s commitment to advancing a knowledge-driven economy through high-quality teaching, impactful research and innovation aligned with national and global priorities.

He noted that high-end computing infrastructure was critical to modern geospatial science, enabling advanced spatial analysis, modelling and visualisation. The donated computers will enhance ORI’s GIS laboratory, support postgraduate training, interdisciplinary research and collaboration with local and international partners while equipping students with future-ready skills.

Both speakers commended the growing partnership between the University of Botswana and United States Embassy, noting that such collaboration translated into tangible benefits for students, researchers and the nation. They encouraged ORI to ensure the effective and responsible use of the equipment to maximise academic and societal impact.