Emolemo Kesitilwe, CEO of the Gambling Authority Botswana, reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to advancing education and research by awarding 10 postgraduate scholarships to deserving master’s and PhD/Doctorate candidates through the Motshameko o Phepha Scholarship initiative.
Speaking at the recent award ceremony, Kesitilwe emphasised that the scholarship is the result of a promising partnership between the Gambling Authority and the University of Botswana (UB), where the selected scholars will undertake their research studies. “Together we aim to foster sustainable development through the gaming and gambling industry in Botswana,” he said.
Launched in June 2024, the collaboration involved a rigorous selection process to identify recipients. Kesitilwe highlighted the Authority’s commitment to inclusivity, particularly for persons with disabilities, which aligns with its mission to create opportunities for all segments of society, contributing to a more just and equitable Botswana.
Kesitilwe stressed the importance of evidence-based interventions as the gambling industry grows in the country. “The Motshameko o Phepha scholarship represents more than just a financial grant. It is a strategic investment in the future of the gambling industry,” he noted.
By supporting scholarship recipients, the Gambling Authority aims to establish a foundation for innovative research and foster thought leadership. “These scholars will not only advance their academic and professional careers but also play a vital role in the growth and development of Botswana’s gambling landscape,” Kesitilwe elaborated.
This partnership with UB, according to Kesitilwe, supports the Gambling Authority in achieving its regulatory goals, ensuring transparency, fair play, and protecting citizens from gambling-related harm. “We are committed to promoting responsible gambling practices, preventing addiction, and ensuring that the industry operates in a socially responsible manner,” he added.
Research, Kesitilwe emphasised, is key to driving innovation, informing policy decisions, and enhancing industry practices. In the context of the gambling industry, he noted that research provides valuable insights into consumer behavior, effective regulatory frameworks, and strategies for promoting responsible gaming.
“By fostering a strong research culture, we can ensure that the gambling industry in Botswana not only thrives economically but also operates in a manner that is ethical, social, and responsible,” he said.
Kesitilwe hailed the Motshameko o Phepha scholarship as an example of how partnerships between academia and industry can drive progress and create lasting positive change.
Professor David Norris, Vice-Chancellor of UB, also spoke at the event. He highlighted the economic challenges currently facing Botswana, particularly the decline in diamond sales, and suggested that growing the gambling industry could be a viable strategy for diversifying the economy. He noted that in some countries, up to 25 percent of their GDP comes from the gambling industry. “If we could only just get 10 percent in this country, that would be significant. And we can,” he stated.
Norris emphasised the potential impact of the research undertaken by the scholarship recipients. “This is the kind of research that we want—research that changes lives and improves the livelihoods of ordinary people,” he said.
The scholarship, open to citizens of Botswana aged 18 to 40, supports full-time Master’s and PhD/Doctorate studies at the University of Botswana. It was awarded to the top-ranked applicants with outstanding academic achievements or research potential in any discipline related to gambling. The scholarship covers tuition, a monthly stipend, research funding, and conference attendance both locally and internationally.
