COUNTRY FOCUS: BOTSWANA
Cloud solutions that are easy to use (far
from the legacy systems trapped with
software customisations) are impacting
every industry in Africa and transforming
lives across the continent. The opportunity
for the public sector within Botswana is
immense; embracing this different way
of doing things, offering citizens as well
as enterprises a platform to grow through
digital-centric approaches. and the Southern African Development
Community region around solutions designed
to positively impact public and private
sector organisations. Much of this is focused
around the likes of Enterprise Resource
Planning, human capital management and
customer experience. While these are built on
technology, they are shaped by addressing
the unique business needs that exist in
Botswana and other African countries.
Taking the next step And with the increasing adoption
of innovations such as the IoT,
Artificial Intelligence and Machine
Learning, these ‘traditional’ solutions are
enhanced to overcome modern-day
challenges in the region.
But technology is just part of the process
required to accomplish this change in a
digital environment. For its part, Oracle
is driving several projects in Botswana
An example of this is how Nigeria Customs
Service (NCS) is deploying Blockchain to
become more efficient. The Oracle Blockchain-
as-a-Service enables it to document and
track products manufactured locally; right
from the source of licensing and permits for
manufacturing, to distribution and point-of-
sale. Technology like Blockchain becomes an
enabler for people and organisations to be
more informed, more agile and more open to
other technological innovations.
The digital future is an exciting one for Africa
and Botswana. Of course, the willingness
to embrace technology-rich platforms and
customise it for bespoke business needs will
be instrumental to ensuring its success. n
Bisk Education and CCL Kgolagano Business
School reach agreement
B
isk Education, a global leader
in digital learning, and CCL
Kgolagano Business School (CCLK),
have announced a strategic relationship
for the delivery of executive education
certificate programmes to businesses and
professionals in Botswana.
The first phase has already launched
in Botswana, with a focus on supply
chain management and business
analytics certificate courses, two subject
areas where MSU is recognised as a
global leader.
“Our international strategy is very
deliberate,” said Mike Bisk, CEO of Bisk.
“It’s important to us to form
relationships with companies committed
to making an impact in their country
and in countries where growth is fuelled
by an exciting business and education
environment. Botswana is a great
example of this.”
programmes to Africa. Botswana is a model
for the entire Southern Africa region and
is a country that aspires to rapid growth.
They recognise education as a key to their
continued development.”
Ben Raletsatsi, Managing Director, CCL
Kgolagano Business School, said that
Botswana is proud of its reputation as
having a stable and vibrant economy.
“We cannot rest, however,” he said.
“We want to learn from the leaders, and
Michigan State University is a global
leader in fields that are critical to industries
in Botswana, such as supply chain
management. There is a great deal of
market enthusiasm for this initiative.”
As part of a global online programme,
participants enrolled through CCLK will
benefit from not only being able to engage
live with MSU faculty in the US, but also
through engagement with participants from
other markets. Bisk has worked alongside
MSU to enable a programme that allows for
true global collaboration.
The programmes being launched in Botswana
through CCLK are the Global Master Certificate
in Integrated Supply Chain Management
and the Global Master Certificate in Business
Analytics. Each programme will comprise three
courses and is designed not only for industry
professionals to enhance and expand their
knowledge of each field, but also contribute to
the ongoing reskilling and upskilling needs of
the markets. n
Dr David Frayer, Assistant Dean of Business
at Michigan State University, added:
“Michigan State has a long history
in Africa. We are excited about this
relationship, as it is one of our first steps
in bringing our online business certificate
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