Science and technology forms an integral part in the progress of any country. A strong technological and industrial research base is inevitable to meet the challenges to develop a viable and vibrant economy. Identifying areas that are suitable to produce tangible results within the capacity of the country and allocating sufficient funds to make impact in those areas is of paramount importance in the early steps to leap forward. Motivating people to make their impression by constructive contributions and systematic dissemination of research funds to applied as well as basic research are some of the very obvious strategies for progress. Botswana made very clear its intentions to be a leading force in the African continent. Vision 2016 provides glimpses of the ambition of Batswana to be in the forefront of manifold areas to lift the country to higher limits.

BOTHASTED was an automatic consequence of the dedication of a group of individuals who envisioned greater exploitation of our natural and human resources. The organising of a symposium with the goal of harnessing of science and technology for development (BOSHASTED 2000) paved the way for the trust.

BOTHASTED
The trust was officially launched on November 16, 2001. The support from various quarters provided a firm foundation and an added momentum to further the visions of BOTHASTED.

Currently BOTHASTED is operating with a core group of several active members from different professions. The trust is formally registered and is working on the nuances of membership and other important matters. BOTHASTED takes its operational substance in the form of a network that enables access to and sharing of information and or knowledge.

BOTHASTED's main objective is to promote Science and Technology as a primary catalyst for Botswana's socio-economic development by:

a) increasing awareness of the value of Science and Technology

b) promoting networks for multi-disciplinary research with an eye on product development

c) promoting projects based on indigenous resources

It is important to note that BOTHASTED is not:

a) A research body

b) A statement of opposition to institutional research

c) A competitive response to Government's Science and Technology policy implementation

The trust will work with various stakeholders to facilitate the effectiveness of scientists based in institutional research organisations, and complement Government policy initiatives by forming a component of a Public-Private partnership.

The trust has already initiated discussions with traditional doctors and is formulating a project to build a database of traditional medicine. Such a database would be of immense potential. BOTHASTED has been involved in other areas that enhance the quality of life, including the upcoming collaboration with the mining industry, in the form of a conference in Kasane, to address environmental issues and health aspects associated with the mining and the related industries.