Botswana‘s government is working to increase sustainability and access to energy through the use of innovative technologies that accelerate local adoption of sustainable solutions and improve the region’s resilience. The Botswana Innovation Fund (BIF), in collaboration with Scalar International, has recently launched a new initiative called the Scalar Botswana Innovator Program (SBIP) that will provide support for 10 start-ups in climate and digital technology sectors over the next 12 months.
Each company will receive assistance to develop their idea from inception through to the point at which they’re ready to seek funding. Support will be provided for the development of prototypes or minimum viable products; access to industry-specific mentors; conducting market research and obtaining market intelligence; ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks; creating financial models; and acquiring customers. The start-ups will also have opportunities to develop renewable energy and distributed energy (microgrid) solutions and will have the ability to leverage funding from BIF to support their development in sectors including FinTech, AI, Deep Tech, Energy Efficiency, Water Management, and Digital Infrastructure.
The opportunity for a start-up bootcamp and possible funding through Scalar International’s Africa Decarbonization Fund I demonstrates that Botswana is making strides towards establishing itself as an innovative leader in Africa. The Africa Decarbonization Fund, from Scalar International, has US$150 million committed to creating sustainable infrastructure throughout the SADC region. Most importantly, Minister of Communications and Innovation Thulagano Merafe Segokgo said, “The launch of this initiative is evidence of a shift in Botswana’s strategic approach to innovation.” The government views innovation as being the foundation of economic transformation, diversification, industrial competitiveness, and achieving sustainable growth in Botswana.
Countries within the SADC are making rapid progress towards creating clean energy economies. With its recent announcement, Botswana is signaling to the world its commitment to developing bold ideas into practical solutions for combating climate change.
