- the center was funded by the German Embassy and Chobe Holdings
Innovation Kgotla has officially launched its new innovation center in Boseja-Kubung, aimed at equipping young people with essential tools and skills to actively participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The establishment of the center was made possible through funding from the German Development Cooperation under the German Embassy and Chobe Holdings as the main sponsor.
The German Embassy contributed €15,000 (approximately P216,859.49), while Chobe Holdings has invested a total of P1.4 million since 2023—P750,000 in the first year and P650,000 this year. These funds have been instrumental in acquiring ICT equipment, including robotic kits, tablets, and houses desktops, laptops and a 3D printer which are used for training sessions in schools and within the community.
The newly opened facility provides an environment designed for technological advancement and growth. One of the highlights of the day was a demonstration showcasing a security device prototype—a contraption integrating sensors, a basic mobile phone, and an alarm system. The device, once triggered, activates the alarm while the phone automatically dials a pre-saved number, presenting a foundation for future innovations.
The completion of this project marks a major step toward digitally empowering rural communities in Botswana and fostering a future where they can thrive in the digital age.
Speaking at the grand opening of the center, Peter Fela, co-founder of Innovation Kgotla, reflected on the journey leading to this momentous occasion. “It has been a three-year journey, and I am proud to say it has materialized. We implore residents of this area to take advantage of this facility and be involved in the transition to the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he said.
John Gibson, CEO of Chobe Holdings, underscored the importance of technology in today’s society. “Technology can be a tool that helps liberate everyone. We talk about a data-driven economy, and in the digital age, information must be accessible to all. People like Peter are leading the change. This facility provides a space to access digital information, and I encourage Batswana to embrace the transition to digitized services.”
German Ambassador to Botswana, Gabriela Bennemann emphasized the critical role of access to information in today’s world. Reflecting on her own early experience with computers while working in Geneva, Bennemann remarked, “It is of central and crucial importance for everyone to have access to information in this world.”
Innovation Kgotla is a 100% Batswana-owned NGO dedicated to empowering youth through free training, coaching, and opportunities in ICT. The organization aligns with Botswana’s Vision 2036 pillar of Sustainable Economic Development by promoting digital skills and innovation. Recognizing challenges such as youth unemployment, economic dependency, and lack of diversification, Innovation Kgotla seeks to provide solutions through ICT skills transfer.
The NGO has actively worked with schools in Maun, including Mathiba Primary School, Letsholathebe Primary, Sedie Junior Secondary School, Tsodilo Junior Secondary School, and BBL. It also offers training programs for out-of-school youth, having impacted over 300 students and 2000 individuals throughout Botswana benefitting from the Data Science Scholarship to date.
