On 25th June 2020, Vice Chancellor of University of Botswana Prof. David Norris met with Chinese Ambassador Dr. Zhao Yanbo and expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude for the support received from the Chinese Embassy in establishing the Engineering & Technology Innovation Center at UB.
Prof. Norris commended China’s significant achievement in the battle against COVID-19, and spoke highly of its substantial assistance for the anti-pandemic response in Botswana and Africa. He emphasized that the University of Botswana, as the top academic institution in the country, carries the important mission of developing innovative technologies and cultivating innovative talents for Botswana. With the world’s leading technologies, China is an important partner of UB. With the strong support of the Chinese side, the Innovation Center will be able to assist UB staff, students and the public to turn their viable business ideas into physical prototypes, in a way to contribute to Botswana’s economic transformation and development.
Ambassador Zhao pointed out that technological innovation is the soul of a nation’s progress, as well as the powerful weapon in defeating COVID-19. Faced with the outbreak, faculty members and students of UB have worked tirelessly to develop not only software tools for COVID-19 monitoring but also innovative face shields, ventilation hoods, face masks and ventilators, setting a fine example in remaining relevant and socially accountable in Botswana’s pandemic response.
Ambassador Zhao said both China and Botswana now face the formidable task of combating the virus while developing the economy. During the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19 held last week, Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed that China and Africa must stay committed to enhancing China-Africa cooperation in new business forms. The Innovation Center is the vivid portrayal of the implementation of President Xi’s initiative as well as the cooperation in the post-pandemic era between China and Botswana. The Center as an incubation base could help translate innovative ideas into commercially viable products thereby bring more job opportunities for young people, and inject new impetus into Botswana’s economic recovery.
The two sides also shared prospects for border cooperation during the meeting.