Botswana to Launch Landmark Satellite to Enhance Data Research and Generation

In a groundbreaking announcement at the inaugural People and Data Africa Conference 2024, Botswana's Minister of Communications, Knowledge, and Technology, Hon. Thulagano Segokgo, revealed the nation's ambitious plans to launch its first satellite into orbit. The satellite is set to significantly enhance data generation, collation, and research, marking a pivotal step in Botswana's digital transformation journey.

Delivering the keynote address at the Royal Aria Conference Centre in Gaborone on June 26, 2024, Segokgo expressed his delight in participating in a conference hosted by a homegrown company. He emphasized the crucial role of data in modern society, stating, "Data has moved from simply being understood as a resource-limited to tech elites to a resource that is intangible and central to all spheres of life."

Segokgo highlighted the essential role of data in the national drive towards digital transformation, aligning with President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s RESET agenda. He stressed the importance of evidence-based policymaking for national development, advocating for decisions guided by empirical insights derived from data at all levels.

"The Government of Botswana considers data as the diamond of the future. It is in this regard that since 2018 several legislative and policy reforms have been taking place which saw the Data Protection Act come into operation in 2022 ."

?The minister unveiled the government's plans to launch the satellite as part of efforts to increase data generation and improve data collation and research capabilities. This initiative, he explained, would bolster Botswana's technological capacity and close the gap in data inequalities highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The conference, attended by experts and speakers from South Africa, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, exemplified transnational integration. Segokgo commended the organizers for their efforts and encouraged attendees to enjoy Botswana's natural beauty.

The event, hosted by People and Gap, a renowned market research and brand development consultancy, marked a historic moment. Not only was this the first research and data conference held in Botswana for Africa, but it also symbolized a unifying call to harness the power of data for the continent's development.

The conference hall was filled with professionals, academics, and industry leaders from across Africa. Tuduetso Mokgosi , the dynamic Director of People + Gap , founders and coordinators of People + Data Africa , took to the stage, her presence commanding the room. She began her speech with warmth and pride, acknowledging not just the hosting organization but also the people of Tlokweng, Gaborone, and the entire Republic of Botswana. "I hope you already feel the spirit of kagiso and botho, translated peace and respect, that Botswana is most known of," she said, setting a tone of unity and hospitality.

Mokgosi emphasized the conference's theme: the critical role of data in driving progress and solving challenges across Africa. She highlighted that data's influence permeates all sectors of society, from the woman waiting at a bus rank in Gaborone or Nairobi to small business start-ups in Johannesburg and Abuja, and the education of youth in Kampala and Kinshasa. "Data has taken over," she declared. "Hence, we need to find data-driven solutions for ordinary people."

The two-day conference was more than a gathering of experts; it was a call to action. Mokgosi spoke passionately about the importance of using data to drive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. She illustrated how data tracks carbon emissions, manages natural resources, and measures the environmental impact of human actions. In the social sphere, data reveals inequalities in education, health, and income, guiding targeted interventions to improve the quality of life. Governance, too, benefits from data, ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in both public and private sectors.

?As Mokgosi spoke, the audience felt the urgency and potential of their collective mission. "The world is moving very fast in adopting data and emerging technologies," she noted. Robotics in medicine and agriculture, AI in machine learning and manufacturing, and the advent of quantum computing were all reshaping global landscapes. "The question now, ladies and gentlemen, is, where are we? We as Africa, we as young people, with skill sets that we possess and training we have received from our prestigious universities… what is it that we are doing in talking research and data to help develop Africa and drive positive change?"

?"The question now, ladies and gentlemen, is, where are we? We as Africa, we as young people, with skill sets that we possess and training we have received from our prestigious universities… what is it that we are doing in talking research and data to help develop Africa and drive positive change?"

Tuduetso Mokgosi, Director of People and Gap

?Her challenge hung in the air, resonating with everyone present. Mokgosi expressed her excitement for the opportunities the conference would present and extended heartfelt thanks to the esteemed speakers, panellists, the Ministry of Communications, Knowledge and Technology, and industry partners such as Stencil Technologies, Moeng.oi, and Botsa.

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"Please feel free," she concluded with a playful smile, "I know it is a cliché, but dintsa di bofilwe, akere Porsh Porsh! No biting here." The room erupted in laughter, breaking any remaining formal tension.

The conference was not just an event but a movement. Mokgosi urged everyone to engage in rigorous and critical discussions about the value and impact of research and data on brands, business, and socio-economic development. The gathering was a unique opportunity to network, learn from each other, and emerge empowered and enlightened.

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