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.

Look out for our business automation solution called BusinessPoint – www.businesspoint.biz/home – have you automated your business processes yet?

Share your thoughts with us and let us know how we can make you a better digital citizen.

For more information visit www.leveragepoint.co.bw

Call us on +267 399 6096 – Email info@leveragepoint.co.bw

We first adopted the school in 2022, and donated a total of 70 shirts, but are proud to have beat out own record with a total of 86 shirts for the year 2023.This is a noble gesture from #TeamGratitude, aimed at contributing towards social development, a better learning environment, and mostly towards humanity. This is part of our commitment towards nation-building, particularly Botswana’s Vision 2036. We want to ensure students are at ease and do not feel discriminated against while at school, thus contributing to a better learning environment; while assisting students to thrive and become the diamonds that will shine and contribute to Botswana.

In the words of Mother Theresa, “we know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drops were not there, the ocean would be missing something.” It is a true privilege to be able to play a role in the development of our fellow citizens in Botswana. We remain grateful for the opportunity of contributing and have the belief, hope, and faith that what we are doing will indeed assist the students and the school towards better marks and better performance.

The highlight of the occasion was the presence of students with blindness, who were eager to participate in the activities of the day. Disability is not inability, and because technology was designed to enhance life for all human beings, Computer Science teachings should be inclusive to every student, no matter their circumstances, to ensure no one gets left behind. 

We engaged a total of 60 students in various tasks, after which we rewarded each student with an electronic completion certificate. As LeveragePoint, we aspire to continue with our Hour of Code activities, rotating between different schools, as our show of effort towards advancing Digital Transformation.

Our attendance at the event was facilitated by Botswana Development and Innovation Hub (BDIH), and we were represented by our Systems Analyst, Winnie Mooketsi, who showcased some of our innovative solutions and software technology. As a woman led startup, we are deliberate in our actions to empower women in their pursuit for digital transformation. We create opportunities for women in the tech space, and join conversations around the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women; in order to learn on newer and effective ways to motivate participation.

In attendance were several woman led organizations and tech companies, as well students from Clifton High, Mater Spei College, Mophato High and John Mackenzie. The day started on positive note with a special keynote address from BIUST Vice Chancellor, Professor Otlogetswe Totolo who emphasized the central role that technology plays in promoting gender equality and identifying digital gaps that exist in relation to the issue of women’s digital participation. Clifton students commented on the challenges that are faced by the girl child, especially during menstruation, highlighting that girls and women alike miss school or work due to excruciating menstrual pains. They proceeded to present a solution that could help girls; a remotely controlled corset, containing hydraulic acid that when heated, gives heat to the body therefore offering immediate relief.  It was inspiring to see the work that is being done with empowering women in tech from a grassroots level. The day was followed by a panel discussion, which tackled the theme for the day, and also created a platform for panelists to share their sentiments, journey, opinions, and suggestions bringing to attention issues of gender in the digital economy. The day was truly a phenomenal one, having met with incredible females (young and old) who were eager to learn about what we do, the services and products we provide. The feedback received was overwhelmingly positive. Many were intrigued by BusinessPoint and were eager to discover more features and benefits about the product.