BIDPA Ranked Top Think Tank in Sub-Saharan Africa

The Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis has attained a special milestone as a research Institute, having been ranked the top think tank in Sub-Saharan Africa by the latest Global Think Tank Index. The 2017 TTCSP Global Go To Think Tank Index ranks BIDPA number one among think tanks in the Sub-Saharan Africa region, and 42nd on the list of Top Think Tanks Globally (US institutions excepted). It has been an exciting journey for BIDPA as the Institute has managed to sustain a steady, but upward trajectory in terms of these rankings. BIDPA ranked 29^th in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2011, but the institute moved to the 12^th spot in 2012, 10^th spot in 2013, 5^th spot in 2014, 4^th spot in 2015, 3^rd spot in 2016 and the Institute now occupies the top spot in the latest index.

The TTCSP (Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program) produces the annual Global Go To Think Tank Index that ranks the world’s leading think tanks in a variety of categories. The goal of the program is to increase the profile and performance of think tanks and raise the public awareness of the important role think tanks play in governments and civil societies around the globe.

Technology and the Nature of Active Citizenship: The case of Botswana

The use of technology in citizen participation has grown phenomenally in developed countries, but is emergent in most developing countries. Accessibility and the functionality of information and communication technology such as telephone, cellular phone and internet have profound effect on citizen participation in politics, policy making and implementation. This study applies a case study methodology to understand the relationship between technology and the nature of active citizen participation in developing countries, using Botswana as a case example. The penetration and use of the information and communication technologies in politics and the policy-making process in Botswana remains low. Botswana first laid in place the policy, legal and institutional frameworks to guide its development of ICTs in her governance system. The country has since made significant gains on providing ICT infrastructure countrywide, and reducing the costs associated with accessing these where available. The country has registered improvements on all indicators on Technological readiness further strengthening the country’s path on the adoption ICTs in its governance process.The findings suggest that countries should take the responsibility for, and be committed to, creating a conducive environment for the ICT industry to thrive while not losing focus of the ultimate objective of citizen participation. The paper is accessible here.