APTIV Harnessing Science, Technology, Engineering and Innovation from University of Botswana
In a move set to bolster Botswana's technological and automotive sector, the University of Botswana (UB) Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, along with senior members of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET), welcomed a delegation from APTIV.
APTIV (Automotive Parts and Technologies International Ventures) is a global technology and mobility company focusing on the automobile sector.
The delegation was accompanied by officials from the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) on a critical fact-finding mission. During the meeting, Professor Norris emphasised the importance of industry partnerships in driving research from its foundational stages to prototyping and commercialisation.
He stated that such ecosystems fostered research and innovation within universities. Furthermore, he said industry partnerships contributed significantly to curriculum development, personnel training as well as aligning academic programmes with market needs.
Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Professor Edward Dintwa, underscored the importance of collaboration to maintain the University's relevance on a global scale. Professor Dintwa noted UB’s commitment to green technology, aligning with APTIV’s production goals.
He further outlined the Faculty's continuous efforts in training technical support and senior-level professionals in electric vehicle technology. The Faculty aims to expand this expertise to include electric boats, thereby addressing climate change challenges within Botswana's tourism industry.
APTIV Director, Mr Luis Figueiredo, observed that UB’s initiatives were in harmony with APTIV’s mandate and regional plans. He said southern Africa was a promising market for the electric vehicle component industry. Mr Figueiredo remarked that UB’s well-trained personnel would be integral to the establishment of a plant in the region.
BITC Manager of Marketing Intelligence, Mr Gothusang Cobra Molatlhegi, acknowledged the potential of the project to advance Botswana’s industry. He thanked UB for its active participation in the fact-finding mission, stating that despite the competitive nature of the African region, the collaboration among BITC, UB and APTIV could significantly develop Botswana’s electric vehicle industry.
The strategic meeting marks a pivotal step towards enhancing Botswana's technological capabilities and fostering sustainable industrial growth through academia-industry partnerships.