Stakeholders Align Data Priorities Ahead of Botswana Open Data Hackathon

Stakeholders Align Data Priorities Ahead of Botswana Open Data Hackathon. The BDIH recently convened a two day Open Data Hackathon Progress and Planning Workshop, bringing together representatives from academia, research institutions, government, the private sector, and the broader innovation ecosystem. The session formed part of preparations for the upcoming Open Data Hackathon scheduled for March this year.

The workshop built on outcomes from an earlier open data engagement session and focused on reviewing progress made since that initial gathering. Participants examined previously agreed outcomes and assessed institutional developments linked to data preparation and accessibility. A central objective was to validate and confirm priority datasets intended for use during the hackathon.

Discussions also addressed data readiness and access considerations, with stakeholders evaluating the availability, structure, and usability of information resources. Organisers said the process is aimed at ensuring datasets are prepared in a way that supports practical application during the hackathon.

According to organisers, the collaborative planning process is designed to ensure that selected datasets are both relevant and accessible, providing a foundation for participants to develop data driven solutions. The workshop also created space for institutions to share updates on progress and coordination efforts related to data management and availability.

The initiative is supported by the European Union under the EU Support to Digital Transformation in Botswana Project, in partnership with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.

Organisers say the planning process is intended to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders involved in data governance, research, and innovation. By aligning datasets and reviewing technical readiness in advance, the workshop supports preparations for the March hackathon and aims to ensure participants have access to structured and usable information during the event.