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The Ministry of Communications and Innovation yesterday (22 July 2026) appeared before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Communications, Works, Transport and Technology to brief Members on the National Research and Innovation Council Bill, 2026. Presenting the Bill, Deputy Permanent Secretary Ms Lesego Thamae said the proposed legislation seeks to establish an autonomous National Research and Innovation Council to oversee the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the National Policy on Research, Development and Innovation, with the aim of accelerating Botswana's industrialisation efforts. Ms Thamae explained that the Bill also seeks to empower the Council to fund and finance research and innovation initiatives while promoting collaboration among key National System of Innovation (NSI) stakeholders, including universities, public and private research institutions, industry partners and civil society organisations. She further noted that the Council will enhance coordination among NSI actors to eliminate duplication of efforts and bridge the gap between scientific research, industrial application and societal impact. It will also oversee the generation of locally relevant knowledge and facilitate its translation into innovative products, services and solutions that contribute to national developmentnt. The briefing formed part of the Portfolio Committee's oversight mandate to review government policies and proposed legislation within its portfolio. During the engagement, Members reviewed the Bill to evaluate its effectiveness in strengthening Botswana's research and innovation landscape.