P15m allocated for STEM research
Five science institutions to benefit STEM can bolster and resuscitate economic growth Sector currently contributes less than 1% of GDP
Atotal of P15 million has been allocated towards initiatives aimed at outreach and conducting research in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths ( STEM).
The money will be divided among five institutions that deal with STEM fields, namely Botswana University of Science Technology, University of Botswana, Botswana Institute for Technology, Research and Innovation, Botswana Geo- Science Institute, and the National Agricultural Research and Development Institute.
This funding development forms part of the Government’s continued efforts geared towards resuscitating the STEM sector for economic stimulation, creating opportunities, and ensuring that STEM makes an impactful contribution towards economic growth, through making investments in training and capacitation.
STEM currently contributes just 0.3 percent of Botswana’s GDP. In other countries that excel in STEM fields particularly science and technology, STEM sectors contribute at least 2 percent of the GDP.
Speaking during the launch of the Month of Science, commemorations held under the theme, ‘ Fuelling Socio- Economic Transformation through STEM Awareness and Innovation’, Minister of Research, Science and Technology Douglas Letsolathebe, noted that STEM is a sector with many opportunities that can transform Botswana’s economy and create multiple long- term sustainable career opportunities.
“The development of the STEM sector can also empower Batswana to make an impactful and meaningful contribution in the transformation and growth of the economy,” he said.
He added that STEM fields could benefit the country going forward.
“The opportunities in the STEM sector can benefit Batswana and the economy post- pandemic,” he said, citing digital technologies as one area of expertise that Botswana could tap into going forward, especially during the current COVID- 19 pandemic.
During the commemorative month of August, the Ministry has spearheaded several initiatives aimed at raising awareness on research, development and innovation, with focus on encouraging STEM at grassroots level and encouraging youth and women to particularly engage in STEM.
Several researches conducted in Botswana have explored the disparities in gender in STEM, establishing that women and girls often fall behind in STEM.
While education research indicates that girls tend to excel in their academics particularly STEM, in school, many of them struggle to find their feet at post- graduate level.