NEWSLETTER 2017 | Issue 4

Materials Development Key to Development of Africa INSIDE BITRIB ResearcherR Kefentse makes it into the CEDA/ DBSA University BITRI Targets Collaborations challenge BITRIat Newsletterthe Global issue 4 2017 Expo 2017 1 Materials Development,” the conference, attracted over 500 delegates, among them, At BITRI, our academics, policymakers, leaders in the industry, professionals and students work is driven by with deliberations focusing on collaboration in order to promote engaging with the research in materials. We were also honoured by the stakeholders presence and support of the to create and political leadership, with His Honour the Vice President of deliver innovative the Republic of Botswana, Mr. Mokgweetsi Masisi officially solutions, hence, opening the conference and the Honourable Minister of Tertiary we always Education, Research Science and Technology, Dr Alfred Madigele endeavor to go delivering the Welcome Remarks. This the extra mile gives us confidence, being cognisant that the Government of Botswana considers to deliver on our research as a strategic and important pillar in the development of the country and elcome to another edition Mandate the continent. of the Botswana Institute for Technology Research W We also joined other important reach their personal aspirations as well as and Innovation (BITRI) newsletter. stakeholders at the 2017 Science Forum organisation objectives, and ultimately We always look forward to sharing our South Africa in Pretoria, South Africa. the strategic objectives of the country. achievements as well as challenges with The theme for the forum was “Igniting all stakeholders, and it is through this Conversations About Science,” and Our work is always in context and is guided platform, which we produce in hard the platform is set up for debate on the by our Corporate Values of Empathy, copy and digital format, that we reach all role of STI in society, promoting STI Excellence and Team Work. These concerned throughout the world. partnerships and creating a platform for values help us to continuously consider

STI actors senior government leaders, the solutions sought by stakeholders, At BITRI, our work is driven by engaging scientists, industry, civil society and execute our work with optimal technical with stakeholders to create and deliver students to interact. During deliberations, and operational excellence, as well as, innovative solutions, hence, we always I, with an appreciation of efforts to create value the contribution and diversity endeavor to go the extra mile to deliver platforms for conversations on STI, brought about by co-creating solutions on our Mandate. We constantly scan implored all to endeavour to close the gaps with stakeholders. We invite you to the environment and engage relevant between strategies and implementation engage with this edition and we welcome stakeholders, to ensure that our research by actualizing all these frameworks, your feedback through all the channels outputs have a significant and profound which, by all intent were created with accessible and convenient for you as our impact in society and the economy good intention and in goodwill. important partners. of Botswana and the wider globe. In fulfilling that aspect of our responsibilities We also interacted with other key to stakeholders, we create platforms stakeholders during the 2017 Global that enhance fostering of meaningful Expo Botswana as we continue to market collaborations that would bring about the the organization to potential collaborators much desired technology solutions. EDITORIAL TEAM and promote some of our key facilities Chief Editor: such as the Centre for Materials Science. This December, we hosted the 9th Dr Bathsheba Mbongwe International Conference of the Africa BITRI also welcome new cadres in the Content: Frank Rakgomo Materials Research Society from 9 – research and support functions. We aim Pictures: Frank Rakgomo 14 December 2017, at the Gaborone to create a conducive environment for International Conference Centre Design & Layout: Yelloegg staff across the different professions to in Gaborone. With the theme of contribute meaningfully, and in turn “Addressing Africa’s Challenges through

BITRI Newsletter issue 4 2017 2 Materials Development Key to Development of Africa

His Honour the Vice President of the Republic of Botswana, Mr. Mokgweetsi Masisi delivering the Keynote Address during the Official Opening ceremony of the AMRS2017. “The world industry cannot remain competitive and be sustainable without continuous innovation in materials. Materials Science research is a comprehensive discipline that brings hope to Africa and the world. This branch of science assists in producing goods from raw materials which are processed into shapes and forms needed for specific applications. We know that Africa is generously endowed with raw materials that can either be plant or mineral based and all we need to do is to put our heads together to ensure that we convert these materials into products that can better the quality of lives,” said Masisi.

“I am happy to learn that the Alliance for Accelerating Excellence in Science in Africa (AESA), an initiative of the otswana hosted the 9th conference drew over five hundred African Academy of Sciences (AAS) International Conference of participants from around the world and and the New Partnership for Africa’s Bthe African Materials Research all African countries, amongst them Development (NEPAD) Agency, are Society from 9th to 14th December academics, industry power players, already implementing an Africa-led 2017. The conference, held under the policymakers and students. development agenda for science as it theme “Addressing Africa’s Challenges seeks to shift the agenda-setting centre through materials Development,” was In his Keynote Address, The Vice of gravity to the continent by focussing officially opened by His Honour the Vice President said “The AMRS International on people, places, and programmes in President of the Republic of Botswana, Conference comes at the right time for Africa to accelerate world-class research, Mr. Mokgweetsi Masisi. us as a nation. It comes a year after foster innovation and promote scientific we launched the national Vision 2036 leadership. The discovery, understanding, The most dominant message from the which seeks to “Achieve Prosperity for and exploitation of new materials are at conference was how it was imperative for All”. This conference is a landmark time the heart of a revolution that has changed African countries to invest in pertinent for us as it accords us the opportunity to our daily lives and will continue to do so research in materials development in reflect on our progress as part of a world in the future.” order to leverage on the natural resources civilization in which scientific advances wealth that the African continent possess. and technological changes are key drivers “I wish to state that my Government The conference created a platform of economic performance.” has taken a deliberate stand to invest in for collaboration in order to promote material science research at our premier the focusing of research efforts on “Science holds the potential for the research institution, the Botswana manipulating materials at the nanoscale progress of our respective nations. Institute for Research, Science and to add value to Africa’s abundant natural Our civilization is advancing at a pace Technology (BITRI). BITRI has a resources, solve Africa’s problems through unprecedented in human history. Specialty Chemicals Unit whose major materials science research by developing Emerging technologies continue to task is to transform minerals in Botswana superior nanoscale materials, as well as transform the shape of the global into high value commercial products. to create an innovative environment marketplace, and the way we live,” through a fundamental understanding elaborated Masisi. of nanoscience/nanotechnology. The to page 4

BITRI Newsletter issue 4 2017 3 His Honour the Vice President of the Republic of Botswana, Mr. Mokgweetsi Masisi posing with some of the key figures in research in Africa.

The President of AMRS, Professor Wole Soboyejo Part of the audience during the Official Opening ceremony of the 9th International Conference of the delivering his presentation. African Materials Research Society that was held at the GICC, Gaborone, Botswana.

from page 3 The Honourable Minister of Tertiary technology advancement, and the time Education, Research Science and is now for Botswana to be a significant Technology, Dr Alfred Madigele in his player in the ecosystem of research and This team is currently focused on Welcome Remarks laid the foundation development in this field,” said Minister projects that use coal as feedstock for the expressed enthusiasm towards Madigele. and cost effective processes that could materails research and its potential for selectively isolate nickel and copper enhancing the socio-economic growth of Still in the same line of thought, the as well as copper-nickel matte. They Africa. BITRI Board Chairperson, Professor are also involved in pyrolysis of coal Sesae Mpuchane lauded the caliber to liquid products. Preliminary results “We are honoured and find it worth of conference participants, as well the indicate that pyrolysis of coal is a rich the celebration to host the 9th Africa collaborative effort it took to organize the source of phenols and aromatics that Materials Research Society International conference. can be used as additives for the food and Conference in Botswana. I lead the petrochemical industries.” Ministry of Tertiary Education Research “I wish to salute all the scientists present Science and Technology which spearhead here, coming from over sixty countries “In addition, BITRI has a world-class policies on driving the science and and representing on material science. state of the art Centre for Material Science technology agenda. It is befitting to be Your mobilization will generate extensive (CMS) laboratory facility for materials at the helm of convening brilliant minds exchanges of views, especially due to the fabrication and characterization that will on matters of research in science and presence of many representatives of the serve the research needs as well as the technology and innovation and deliberate countries of the South. I salute all the commercial materials analysis needs of on matters that would contribute towards other participants, and the media. In Botswana and the region across a variety the development of Botswana with fact to the media I challenge you all to of sectors.” regard to science. Materials science is almost at the heart of most scientific and to page 5

BITRI Newsletter issue 4 2017 4 The cultural dinner hosted by Botswana Investment Trade Centre acted as a The student poster presentations presented students with an perfect platform for the visotors to experience Setswana culture and dance opportunity to present their research ideas to audiences from different backgrounds. BITRI Board Member, Dr Ronald Tshelametse, AMRS Advisory Board Member Eric Garfunkel, AAS Executive Director, Prof Nelson Torto, AMRS2017 Conference plenary Speaker Prof Jean-Marie Lehn, and BITRI CEO Prof Shedden Masupe posing for a picture after the successful hosting of the conference.

Materials Towards Functional Adaptive,” which explored how the blending of supramolecular and molecular dynamic chemistry with materials chemistry, can open perspectives towards adaptive materials and technologies. As with other speakers, Prof Lehn, who originates from France buttressed the need for collaboration across all regions of Africa and called for more meaningful engagement from Europe.

The conference featured plenary both the needs of the global research discussions, breakaway sessions, community as well as the needs that are workshops and poster presentation by from page 4 specific to Africa. students, with a focus on conference themes. The topics covered throughout begin writing and communicating about the conference, included, but were not science. May you spend the entire four A presentation delivered by the President limited to diagnostics, drug delivery, days here and cover materials science. It is of the African Materials Research Society Professor Wole Soboyejo was biomaterials, minerals beneficiation, my dream to see all media houses having extraction, foundry and mineral science desks and reporting science, like I among those that focused on how materials development is essential to processing, Nanoparticle synthesis, said, we have transformed society because characterization and functionalization, solving problems that affect people. Prof on the contributions made by science and International research and teaching technology- let us embrace that and talk Soboyejo’s presentation expounded the collaborations, schools and networks, about it.” use of Advanced Materials and Small solar energy systems as well as Finite Structures, specifically implants and element, phase field and statistical The conference ran parallel sessions targeting of disease as well as alternative mechanical approaches under the topics of Materials or energy and materials for societal Health, Materials for Water, Materials development as well as value addition to The conference also served as a platform for BITRI to demonstrate the capabilities for Agriculture/Environment, minerals. of the Centre for Material Science Materials for Energy, Materials for The plenary Speaker, Professor Jean- (CMS) which boasts some of the state- Mining/ Construction, Nanoscience/ of -art instruments envisaged to enable Nanotechnology, Materials for health/ Marie Lehn, who in 1987 was awarded Networking and Computational the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, made a to page 8 Materials Science. These topics, reflect presentation on the topic “Dynamic

BITRI Newsletter issue 4 2017 5 BITRI Researcher, Mr Kefentse Arnold Tumedi. BITRI Researcher Kefentse makes it into the CEDA/ MISSION DBSA University challenge To conduct needs‡based technology ÀeseaÀch that «ÀoÛides sustainable innoÛatiÛe solutions 2017 top 10 finalist list thÀough co‡cÀeation and collaboration. Kefentse Arnold Tumedi, an Associate Researcher in the BITRI Natural Resources and Materials Division, made it into the top 10 of the CEDA/ Development Bank of Southern Africa University Challenge, losing out to the eventual winner, Mr. Lebogang Pule, VISION 4th year student from Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN). To be the leading technology solutions «ÀoÛideÀ that tÀansvoÀ“s The competition, in its first year, pitted two hundred and twenty- liÛes° two entrepreneurial youth across Botswana for a Grand Prize of P200 000.00, which also comes with a bonus of P10 000.00 that awarded to all participants who make it to into the top 10. The Secretariat and panel of judges had a task of narrowing down the submissions to the top 10 finalists using the set criteria. Judging of the Top 10 presentations was undertaken on the 24th of October, VALUES from whence, the judges further deliberated and selected the overall U Ài>̈ۈÌÞt
&NQBUIZ winner who was announced 31st October 2017. U/i>“7œÀŽt
&YFMMFODF Kefentse’s project aims to manufacture a device that can be used to U*ÀœviÃȜ˜>ˆÃ“ diagnose lumpy skin disease (nkokomane). Nkokomane is difficult t
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8PSL to diagnose, therefore, the device will enable farmers to detect the U*iœ«i‡ i˜ÌÀˆV disease on the spot, treat it immediately and stop its spread.

The device can be patented and be used globally wherever the disease occurs, and the technology that he is using can be used to come up with diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics for other diseases such +267 360 7500 [email protected]

as cancer. Fax: +267 360 7624 www.bitri.co.bw Kefentse is currently pursuing his MPhil/PhD in Biological Sciences at the University of Botswana (UB).

For Kefentse’s and other BITRI Researchers profiles, visit http:// www.bitri.co.bw/researchers/

BITRI Newsletter issue 4 2017 6 BITRI Targets collaborations at the Global Expo 2017

BITRI also engaged its specialists to conduct business meetings with prospective collaborators. BITRI Senior Researcher, Dr Edward Rakgati (left) and Lead Researcher Specialty Chemicals, Prof James Darkwa holding discussions with one of the prospects.

Our business as government is to get out of the way to let you work and use us to move forward as well as to use us to unlock unnecessary bureaucratic red tapes,” VP Masisi said.

Mr Masisi while describing Botswana as one of Africa’s most profitable, stable and fast growing economies ripe for investment, encouraged entrepreneurs to cultivate long-term business relationships that will help them grow and meet the needs of both local and international markets.

BITRI used the platform provided by the otswana Institute for Technology importers, Government procurement Expo to promote the services provided by Research and Innovation (BITRI) agencies, wholesale and retailers whose the state-of-the-art Centre for Material Bjoined multitudes of exhibitors goal is to tap into lucrative local market as Science, Specialty Chemicals unit, and investors during the Global Expo well as seek opportunities to do business Building Materials Science, Climate Botswana (GEB) held at the Botswana in Botswana. Change, Energy, Electronics and Conference & Exhibition Centre in Communications as well as Information The 2017 Global Expo was officially Gaborone from 31st October to 3rd Systems and Technology Divisions. opened by the Vice President of the November 2017. BITRI participated Potential investors and collaborators Republic of Botswana, Mr Mokgweetsi held one-to-one meetings with different with an objective to seek collaborations Masisi, who said the Expo was and partnerships on the organisation’s BITRI Researchers to discuss the possible conceptualised to help the country meet options of collaborations. BITRI also research focus areas. its objectives of attracting both domestic organized familiarization tours for and foreign direct investment. the prospective collaborators and they The Global Expo Botswana, now in its covered the CMS and Coal to Liquid 12th year, is an annual business to business “Therefore, let us go together on this (CTL) plant in which coal is converted (B2B) and multi-sectoral exhibition that journey with honest exchange of ideas liquid, offering a range of important is patronized by international buyers, and intentions and let us get to business. chemical products that are produced by liquefying coal. The delegates were also sensitized on the Specialty Chemicals function, through which BITRI is helping the country to leverage its mineral wealth though beneficiation and producing high value products from the various minerals mined locally.

The Global Expo Botswana gives manufacturers, suppliers and service providers a platform to showcase their products and brands. The list of exhibitors is drawn from different sectors, amongst them, Information Communications Technology (ICT), Agriculture, Tourism, Textiles, Energy, Manufacturing, Engineering, Construction as well as Mining. BITRI Associate Researcher, Natural Resources, Bakang Modukanele explaining the XRF and its capabilities to the delegates during their visit of some of the BITRI facilities.

BITRI Newsletter issue 4 2017 7 NEW@ BITRI

Dr Innocent Basupi worked as an engineer for engineering PhD (Water Engineering) consultancy firms based in Botswana. Postdoctoral Fellow – Climate Change Due to his expertise, Dr Basupi has and Water Resources been involved in providing consultancy CLIMATE CHANGE DIVISION services for several water supply projects in Botswana, including the North-South r Innocent Basupi is a Civil Carrier (NSC) project as well as the NSC Engineer who specialises in rehabilitation. At BITRI, he is responsible Water Systems Engineering. He for climate-proofing the nation’s water D resources in Botswana. graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s Degree His research interests cover Decision in Water Resources & Environmental Support for Sustainable Designs Engineering from the University of and Operations of Water Systems; Botswana. He also holds a PhD in Water Integrated Water System Modelling Engineering from the University of for Sustainability; Optimisation of Exeter, Centre for Water Systems, United Water System Design and Operations; Kingdom. Uncertainty and Risk Analysis; Water Demand management; Water Resources Prior to joining BITRI, Dr Basupi Management; as well as Water-Energy worked as a Postdoctoral Research nexus. Fellow at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. His research experience is For Dr Basupi’s and other BITRI complemented by industrial experience Researchers profiles, visit in the water sector, where he has Dr Innocent Basupi http://www.bitri.co.bw/researchers/ Key to Development of Africa

from page 4 Prior to the main conference, eight pre- for example, a high resolution BITRI to become a significant conference workshops, covering topics Carl Zeiss Gemini SEM500 Field player in the international research from electrospinning and light microscopy Emission Gun Electron microscope, arena in materials production and to crystallography and scanning electron as well as a Kratos Axis Supra X-ray characterization. microscopy, were held at the BITRI Photoelectron Spectrometer. The Centre for Materials Science (CMS) institute is a hub of electrospinning as The first AMRS Conference was from 9 - 10 December. The workshop evidenced by two electrospinning labs held in December 2002, and the facilitators were a mix of university subsequent biennial International with state of the art electrospinning faculty members who had come to Conferences were held in South units, two of the 7 units are pilot scale Gaborone for the AMRS conference and Africa (2003), Morocco (2005), which are the Elmarco Nanospider representatives from equipment suppliers Tanzania (2007), Nigeria (2009) NS1WS500U and Bioinicia LE500. for the institute. Almost two hundred Zimbabwe, (2011), Ethiopia (2013), Many workshop attendees expressed (200) people attended the workshops, Ghana (2015) and Botswana (2017). their interest in returning to the the large majority of whom were graduate All the conferences have had themes institute as visiting researchers as part students. The workshop participants not that helped drive Africa towards of their future work. only benefitted from advanced training in exploiting her mineral and material the practical aspects of performing their wealth for the betterment of the Detailed information about BITRI research, but also, gained an appreciation socio-economic state of the people CMS is available at http://www.bitri. for top quality facilities available at and also to establish the continent as co.bw/cms/ the BITRI CMS. The institute boasts, a prominent player in the field.

BITRI Newsletter issue 4 2017 8 The BITRI Centre for Material Science

The Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI) is a parastatal under Botswana’s Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, established with a Mandate to identify, develop and/or adapt appropriate technology solutions that provide sustainable innovative solutions through co-creation and collaboration in line with national priorities and needs of Botswana. The technologies will as much as possible maximize the use of local materials XSIRWYVIIJ½GMIRG]ERHEJJSVHEFMPMX]

BITRI has established a world-class Centre for Material Science (CMS) with state of the art laboratory facilities, such as XPS, XRD, XRF, SEM, high resolution GC/MS, LC/MS and ICP/MS. The '17 LEW W]RXLIWMW GETEFMPMXMIW JSV QIXEP RERS TEVXMGPIWIPIGXVSWTYR RERS ½FVIW ERH QEXIVMEPW characterisation that will serve the research needs as well as the commercial materials analysis needs of Botswana and Africa across a variety of sectors. BITRI invites all interested parties to use the facilities for a fee.

For more information, contact Thatayaone Tladi

Contacts [email protected] Telephone: (+267) 360 7619 Mobile: (+267) 77 537 379

,IEH3J½GI1EVER]ERI,SYWI4PSX1EGLIP(VMZI +EFSVSRI&SXW[ERE8IPITLSRI  *E\   Email: [email protected] Website: www.bitri.co.bw

BITRIBITRIRI NewsletterNNeeewwslsslelleettetttteter issiisissuessssuuee 4 201202201701017 9 SFSA underlines Science and Technology as the key to enhancing Development of African Countries and Continent

Attendants listening to the South African Minister of Science and Technology, Ms Naledi Pandor’s speech during SFSA2017.

he annual Science Forum South generate enterprise, jobs and solutions. Alfred Madigele, who attended the Forum Africa 2017 took place from in his official capacity used the platform T7 – 8 December at the CSIR “There is nothing wrong with our to promote the Centre for Material International Convention Centre, young people. There is something Science, which comprises a cluster of Pretoria, South Africa. Discussions during very wrong with us when we do not research laboratory facilities for materials the Science Forum centred on using give them the opportunity. We should fabrication and characterisation that will the capabilities of Science, Technology never let the constraints of poverty serve the research needs as well as the and Innovation to address challenges and underdevelopment extinguish the commercial materials analysis needs of faced by individual countries and imagination of our people. We have a Botswana and the region across a variety Africa as a continent. Themed “Igniting responsibility to develop a community of sectors. The Minster spoke of the Conversations About Science,” the key of young people that believe there is a capabilities of the facilities as well as some objectives of the forum were to create a future for science in South Africa and of the ongoing research projects such as platform for debate on the role of STI in the continent. They must see themselves point-of-use water filtration, implantable society, promoting STI partnerships and as agents of development. They must sensors, air filtration, development of creating a platform for STI actors senior see themselves as providing solutions on materials for various sectors such as government leaders, scientists, industry, how best to return people to the land and defence, health, environment as well civil society and students to interact. build successful agricultural enterprises,” sample analysis and testing. Minister expounded Ramaphosa. Madigele, thereby, invited the audience, “If, as a continent, we contribute to comprising students, academics, research setting the global science agenda, then BITRI was amongst the many research and professionals and entrepreneurs to the solutions that technology produces STI institutions that attended the Forum consider using the CMS and to seek will be able to advance our specific with goals to interact with players in the collaborations with BITRI. business interests. The word ‘smart’ STI field, sensitise the stakeholders about should underpin whatever we do. If we partnership opportunities with BITRI, The BITRI Chief Executive Officer, work smart, we are working in a clever exchange notes and forge collaborations Professor Shedden Masupe lamented way, an innovative way, a scientific way,” on issues of mutual interest between the lack of action on otherwise great said Deputy President of the Republic of Botswana and the respective African frameworks and resources, imploring South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa during countries and international partners. stakeholders to progress to the the official opening of the Forum. The implementation stage for Africa to derive Deputy President also addressed the issue The Minister of Tertiary Education any tangible benefits. of youth unemployment and how STI can Research Science and Technology Dr

BITRI Newsletter issue 4 2017 10 Professor Jean-Marie Lehn, who was the Keynote The BITRI Chief Executive Officer, Professor Shedden Masupe interacting with one of the dignitaries at Speaker at the AMRS2017 making a presentation the BITRI stand. at the SFSA2017.

During her speech, the South African The 2017 edition, focused on the social Minister of Science and Technology, We have too sciences, with some debates on issues Ms Naledi Pandor urged scientists and such as minimum and living wage, the researchers to contextualise their work in few scientists, high dropout rates of students at South to specific socio-economic realities. African universities, the contribution inadequate of Science and Technology to socio “Inspiration drawn from the life and publication - economic development, women in combat of President Mandela, and science and innovation, as well as the values enshrined in South Africa’s and innovation strategies to maximise outreach, impact constitution, should provide the context and understanding of science in the wider for our work, also within the area of achievements and society. science, technology and innovation,” Pandor said at the closing ceremony. poorly resourced

“We have too few scientists, inadequate science institutions publication and innovation achievements and poorly resourced science institutions. More and more African researchers are broadening their horizons and engaging in much-needed projects in food security, energy, transport, and health, with some research work focused on malaria and HIV,” Pandor said.

“This has seen the number of papers from African researchers double in just over a decade, improving in quantity, quality, and international citation according to data from Scopus, the largest database of peer-reviewed literature,” added Pandor.

SFSA, now in its third year, aims to showcase the contribution of science to society and create a platform for engaging and igniting dialogue around science. BITRI Communications Officer, Mr Frank Rakgomo, attending to a customer at the BITRI stand.

BITRI Newsletter issue 4 2017 11 MISSION

To conduct needs-based technology research that provides sustainable innovative solutions through co-creation and collaboration with local and international stakeholders. VISION

To be the leading technology solutions provider that transforms lives. VALUES

Teamwork Excellence Empathy

We operate and innovate We expect and encourage We interact, operate and through teamwork, and unquestionable technical and generate solutions that although we expect individual operational excellence in optimally balance the expertise, the team planning, executing, monitoring interest of all stakeholders. performance takes priority. and continuously improving The value of innovation everything we do. through teamwork includes behaviours such as valuing contribution, accepting diversity, pro-active approach, collaboration and co-creation.

Maranyane House PlotBITRI 50654, Newsletter Machel issue Drive 4 2017+267 360 7500 www.bitri.co.bw 12 Gaborone, Botswana +267 360 7624 [email protected] Study Projects Decrease in Rainfall over most parts of Botswana

limate trends in Botswana are said to be pointing Ctowards more extreme climate events as the climate system warms. This is according to a Research by BITRI’s Climate Change Division in collaboration flash flooding as the climate system water security, encouraging water with the University of Cape Town’s warms further. The study also saving measures as well as looking African Climate Change and indicates that temperature changes to promote rain water capture Development Initiative (ACDI). point towards increased number because potentially long drought In a research paper submitted to of hot days and decreased cold periods are expected to increase a peer reviewed academic journal weather hence longer and more in frequency. It is expedient that “Environmental Research Letters intense heat wave events. investments in climate change (ERL)”, the study projects a general research also be intensified to decrease in total annual rainfall These findings portray serious increase the country’s knowledge over most parts of Botswana with implications for Botswana’s socio- base on climate change thereby the northern parts of the country economic sectors. The agricultural promoting informed policy to realize the greatest decrease. sector will continue to suffer the formulation. On average, rainfall is expected to most as climate becomes more reduce by 55.1-75.9 mm, 24.7- unfavorable for farming activities. The study follows a call by policy 61.7mm and 30.4-43.0mm in the The water sector will also be put makers to the Intergovernmental northern, central to southeastern under considerable pressure due Panel on Climate Change and southwestern parts of the to less inflow into water reservoirs (IPCC) to provide a report on the country respectively. These coupled with increased evaporation differentiated impacts of and a reductions are significant as they rates due to high temperatures. warming above preindustrial levels could mean the difference between The study calls for different by 2018. The research looked at a good harvest and a complete stakeholders to work towards how climate extremes are going crop failure as well as an increase adapting to the “New Normal”. It to change in Botswana at these in length of the dry season thereby notes that concerted efforts need respective warming levels. leading to a shortened planting to be made to increase adoption season. Rainfall events are to of Climate Smart Agriculture For more information contact: become shorter and more intense practices. There is also a need to Prof. N Batisani leading to increased potential of be strategic in planning for future Mobile: (+267) 71 904 463 Email: [email protected]

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1. A gradual increase in the overall temperature of the earth’s atmosphere 17. Short form for application. generally attributed to the greenhouse effect caused by increased levels 18. A physical substance, having mass and occupying space. of carbon dioxide. 19. Power obtained by harnessing the energy of the sun’s rays (Across) 2. A network ______carries data to smaller lines of transmission. 19.b The brand for the solar-powered lights adapted and developed by BITRI 3. The BITRI Priority Thematic Research Areas are Building Materials (Down) Science, ______, Nanomaterials, Electronics and Communi- 20. The BITRI Corporate Values are ______, Excellence and Team Work. cations, Information Systems and Technology and Energy. 21. A hypothetical particle that appears in extensions of the Standard Model 4. BITRI has established a world-class ______with state-of-the-art of Particle Physics that include the so-called Peccei-Quinn mechanism. laboratory facilities for materials fabrication and characterisation that 22. A combustible black or dark brown rock consisting chiefly of carbonized will serve the research needs as well as the commercial materials analysis plant matter. needs of Botswana and the region across a variety of sectors. 23. Decomposition brought about by high temperatures. 5. The acronym for African Materials Research Society. 24. The technical name for pregnancy. 6. Acronym for Extractable Petroleum Hydrocarbons. 25. A chemical element, (symbol Ar, atomic number 18). 7. BITRI’s ______Division focuses on needs-based Research 26. A metallic material, such as steel, brass, or bronze, consisting of a mix- and Development (R&D) of new/innovative building materials, derived ture of two or more metals or of metallic elements with nonmetallic from naturally-occurring raw materials and/or industrial by-products/ elements. waste. 27. _____ rain has a pH that is less than 5. (Across) 8. Space which is entirely devoid of matter. The smallest particle of a chemical element that can exist. (Down) 9. Molecular formula for Methane 28. Clean ______is generated from sources like wind, solar, and geother- 10. Solar, wind and geothermal are examples of ______energy sources. mal power with little or no pollution or global warming emissions. 11. A semiconductor device with two terminals, typically allowing the flow 29. The head office of BITRI is located at ______House. of current in one direction only. 30. An iron alloy that contains small amounts of carbon and having qualities 12. A unit of power used to quantify the rate of energy transfer. of hardness, elasticity, and strength, and is typically used in construc- 13. The 9th International Conference of the African Materials Research So- tion. ciety that ran from 9th to 14th December 2017 was held under the theme “Addressing Africa’s Challenges through ______Devel- opment.” ANSWERS to be published on the next publication 14. The Nanomaterials Division at BITRI focuses on three research areas namely; Filtration, Diagnostics and ______. coming out on the end of March 2018 15. The largest artery in the body. 16. A layer of gases surrounding the Earth.

BITRI Newsletter issue 4 2017 14 BITRI Centre For Material Science Equipment

Head Office Maranyane House Plot 50654, Machel Drive Gaborone, Botswana +267 360 7500 +267 360 7624 [email protected] www.bitri.co.bw BITRI invitse all interested parties to use the facilities for a fee. for more information, contact Thatayaone Tladi CONTACTS [email protected] (+267) 360 7619 Mobile (+267) 77 537 379 Head Office: Maranyane House: Plot 50654, Machel Drive Gaborone, Botswana (+267) 360 7500 (+267) 360 7624 BITRI Newsletter issue 4 2017 15 Thank YOU!

BOTSWANABO SWSWANNA INSTITUTENS TUT FORO TTECTECHNOLOGYC LOLOGY RERESEARCHSSEEARARCHCH ANDA INNOVATIONINN VATIION (BITRI)((B anda d theh AFRICANAF CAN MATERIALSMA LSS RERRESEARCHEESEEARCR SOSOCIETYET (AMRS)AMMR ) wwouldd likelikkee toto thanknk youou ffor youryouourour ggengenerogenerousenerouss ssponsorshippo hipp forfoorr the 99t9thtthh InternationalItI nal ConferenceC of the thhee AfricanAAfric Materialsteria Researchesear Society that was held from the 9th - 14th December 2017.

List of AMRS2017 Sponsors

1. BoFiNet 12. BOCRA 2. Microsep 13. American Chemical Society 3. Chemetrix 14. MRS Co-Sponsored Meetings 4. Ethiopian Airways 15. SEANAC 5. Merck 16. Rutgers University 6. Africa Sales (Pty) Ltd 17. Royal Society of Chemistry 7. Embassy of France in Botswana 18. IMP 8. United States Embassy in Botswana 19. Poretech 9. BITC 20. Pan African Materials Institute 10. IDM 21. Gaborone City App 11. NSF 22. GICC

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