Phase II of the Botswana Innovation Hub (BIH) Science and Technology Park facility is set to kick off during the first quarter of 2013.
The park, which is a national initiative, is one of the key projects identified by the country to promote information and knowledge society that harnesses creativity and innovation set to diversify the economy to skills based economy.
Vice President Ponatshego Kedikilwe is expected to officially launch the development of the park on 9th November 2012.
“BIH is currently in discussions with local and international knowledge business operations to be tenants of the planned state-of-the art iconic building to be developed in a prime new business district of Gaborone near Sir Seretse Khama International Airport,” said Tigele Mokobi, the Public Relations Manager at BIH.
Mokobi said the multi-use building is targeted at businesses in the fields of information and communication technology, mining technologies, energy and environment, biotechnology and other knowledge intensive services.
BIH plans to install high-capacity bandwidth and superior telecommunication infrastructure at the premises to house companies that deliver technology or knowledge intensive services and products, preferable for export.
The facility is to accommodate specialized institutes and centers of excellence, including world class business schools and e-learning providers.  Partnerships with nine companies, including software giant Microsoft and Council on Health Research for Development (COHRED) have already been established.
“The park is one of the initiatives intended to facilitate economic diversification and growth by creating more private businesses in the country,” he added. The Botswana Development Corporation is running the project for the government.
Mokobi said the Science and Technology Park will be a nexus for knowledge creation and innovation. The first phase of Phase One of the project entailed construction of roads infrastructure, drainage and sewerage, as well as water and power systems. He added that there will be a lot of other buildings for other service providers housed at the park.
