Today we celebrate World Technology Day under the 2023 theme, “Integrated Approach in Science and Technology for a sustainable future” which is aimed at highlighting the need for utilising technology in a sustainable manner and to create a sustainable future. From smartphones to social media, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, changing the way we communicate to the way we work and entertain ourselves. It has changed the way governments render services to its citizens to the way social programmes are delivered.
Technology has revolutionized a lot of industries, from improving healthcare to advancing education, as well as fundamentally changing how organizations operate and deliver on their customer promise. One of the most significant benefits is efficiency, as a result of automating repetitive tasks and using data to make better and smarter decisions. This is further supported by the advancement of smartphones to social media and artificial intelligence, therefore playing an important role in business productivity and improved customer experiences.
At LeveragePoint, we believe technology must be accessible, easy to use and inclusive in nature. Therefore, we continue to develop innovative technology based on cloud in order to allow for ease of access and adoption by different industries, especially by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). As a major player in the technology space, specializing in business process automation, we offer expert guidance and support all while being cost cautious; as part of our contribution to the empowerment of SMEs, to leverage technology to drive growth and innovation.
We have noted challenges with technology, particularly in cases where it is not used with diligence, caution and responsibility. One of the most important challenges is ensuring that technology benefits everyone. While technology has made massive strides in recent decades, there is still a significant digital divide between developed and developing countries. This divide needs to be bridged to ensure that everyone can benefit from the progress technology has enabled. Another challenge is ensuring that technology is used ethically. With the rapid pace of technological advancement, it is essential to consider the ethical dimension, especially in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and nanotechnology. It is necessary to ensure that technology is used in a way that benefits humanity and does not inflict harm.
The Botswana Context
Botswana has made significant strides in embracing technology and innovation, positioning itself as a leader in Africa’s technology sector. The country has laid the building blocks for technology through various initiatives, enabling start-ups and entrepreneurs to create innovative products and services. The establishment of the Ministry of Communication, Knowledge and Technology is a testament of the overall intention to drive use, adoption and innovation in the current knowledge-based economy. Here are some of the building blocks for technology in Botswana:
1. Education: Botswana has made significant investments in education, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This is because there is a recognized shortage of technically skilled personnel in the country. The government has created various programs to promote STEM education, including the introduction of coding in schools.
2. Innovation hubs: Botswana has several innovation hubs (Botswana Digital Innovation Hub, Neo Hub, Market Players, Orange Innovation Centre and the University Of Botswana Innovation Hub), that have been set up to support entrepreneurship and innovation. These hubs have been instrumental in providing funding, mentorship, and training to start-ups and entrepreneurs. Tech start-ups like Botswana’s LeveragePoint use these innovation hubs to develop innovative business solutions.
3. Infrastructure: Botswana has made significant investments in ICT infrastructure, including the establishment of fibre optics networks, internet hotspots, and a national broadband network that connects underserved communities.
4. Regulatory environment: Botswana has created a conducive regulatory environment that supports innovation and entrepreneurship. The government has passed laws to promote E-commerce, data protection, and ICT-related intellectual property rights.
5. Public-private partnerships: The government of Botswana has established public-private partnerships that have been instrumental in developing technology in the country. For example, the Botswana Innovation Hub was set up in partnership with the government and the private sector.
6. SMARTBOTS Programme- a government programme that seeks to fully automate the services that are offered by Government. The programme seeks to ensure consumption of government services at the comfort of one’s mobile phone, laptop and desktop. The programme has seen the assembly of local companies, local talent and has indeed established a new economy.
Overall, Botswana has laid a foundation that has enabled technology and innovation to thrive in the country. The government continues to provide support to technology start-ups and entrepreneurs, and Botswana is positioning itself as a technology hub in Africa.
Conclusion
In conclusion, World Technology Day is an opportunity to celebrate the impact of technology on our lives and to reflect on the challenges that lie ahead. As we continue to advance technologically, it is vital to ensure that we use technology ethically and responsibly, with a focus on achieving sustainable development goals.
LeveragePoint is a software development and ICT consultancy company based in Botswana and doing work across the SADC region. We are specialists in development of Custom-made Software Solutions, Websites, Mobile Applications and Intranets. We have contributed positively to a number of sectors such as Banking, Insurance, Government Services, TVET & Education sector and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs). We have also rendered our services to the Private Sector, SMEs and Regional Organisations.
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