President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi emphasized the pivotal role of innovators and entrepreneurs in steering the country towards a knowledge-based economy. Addressing attendees during the 2023 Foundry Fellows-Botswana eco-system tour organized by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), President Masisi underscored the significance of institutions like the Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub (BDIH) in fostering a thriving tech-driven economy.

Highlighting MIT's ongoing collaboration with BDIH as a testament to effective public-private partnerships, President Masisi stressed the government's recognition of entrepreneurship and innovation as fundamental drivers of Botswana's economic diversification beyond natural resources. To support this, the government established the Ministry of Entrepreneurship and enacted supportive policies and legislation.

President Masisi emphasized the need for sustained investment in human capital development, with a significant portion of the budget allocated to education and training. He cautioned that while good policies are essential, actual transformation relies on the concerted efforts of entrepreneurs and innovators.

Furthermore, he called for collaboration among various stakeholders including universities, research institutions, capital providers, corporations, and the media to achieve the targets outlined in Vision 2036 for Botswana's transition into a knowledge-based economy.

President Masisi highlighted the importance of the Reset Agenda, particularly in fostering an entrepreneurial and innovative mindset among citizens. He emphasized the urgency of economic transformation to ensure sustained improvement in living standards, urging the adoption of appropriate policies, programs, and projects to drive positive social development and shared prosperity.

Moreover, President Masisi encouraged local entrepreneurs and innovators to learn from initiatives such as those led by the Legatum Group at MIT, suggesting potential collaborations to enhance entrepreneurship and leadership capabilities within Botswana.