Dr Audrey Masizana – Interim Chair Botswana NC; CODATA Executive Committee Member
Dr Audrey Masizana is a Senior Lecturer and former Head of Department of Computer Science at the University of Botswana. She holds a PhD in Computer Science from University of Manchester UK (2004). He is also Fellow of Botswana Academy of Sciences (FBAS) since 2021 and Global Health International Scholar of University of Pennsylvania, USA (2023-2026).
As a member of Botswana CODATA National Committee, she is a strong advocate and passionate of the adoption of Open Data Open Science Policies and Instruments locally and across the continent. Currently she is the Chair of the development of the Botswana Open Data Policy established by the Botswana Presidential Task Force (Smart Bots) in March 2023, the outcome of which could provide the leadership and adoption in the African SADC region. In 2021 she was elected to serve for 2 years into the Executive Committee of the CODATA for International Science Council and now serving a second term.
She has over the years gained enormous experience in spear heading academic networking platforms including chairing conferences such as Information Technology for Development (IASTED Africa 2014, 2016), International Conference in Cyber-Security and Information systems conference series referenced in ICICIS 2016 and here. Also, the International Data Week (IDW 2018) spearheaded by the University of Botswana. She has served as a member of the African Technical Advisory Committee which formed part of the first committee that established the African Open Science Platform in 2017. She is also one of the innovators of the VizAfrica Network and chaired the second VizAfrica Conference in 2019 delivered in collaboration with CODATA. She continues to serve in the organizing committees of the subsequent IDW and Viz Africa conferences.
As Head pf Department, she made contributions to the promotion of science and technology by providing leadership in the establishment of fostered local and regional collaborative projects around Hi Performance Computing (HPC) & Data Science Research, eHealth Research, Intelligent Systems Research and Open Data. She has served at national bodies such as the National Cyber Security Strategy Development Committee (2016) and its new Implementation Committee (2021).
Audrey is passionate in interdisciplinary post graduate research around Scientific Application of Data for Intelligent Decision Making for which she also conducts external examining for other universities. She is a well-seasoned researcher with 50+ publications. Currently serves as a Project Investigator of a project named Kamogano in collaboration with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) that aims to evaluate the flow of clinical information from and to the front-line clinicians within Botswana Health Information Systems. She is also a PI of a project named MLCOVID19 conducted by the University of Botswana which aims to apply machine learning techniques to predict COVID-19 progression amongst patients in Botswana through risk analysis on survival and mortality rates using data collected during the pandemic.
Ms Tuelo Ntlotlang – Interim Secretary, Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST)
Tuelo Ntlotlang is a Subject Librarian at Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) Library, who is actively engaged in open science and digital scholarship initiatives. She is enthusiastic about open access and digital preservation activities in BIUST. She is also actively involved in advocating for adoption of open science and open access at national level working closely with Botswana Open Data Policy Working Group as a secretariat, and Botswana Library Consortium Board Members as a treasurer. Furthermore, Tuelo is a standing committee member of IFLA Academic and Research Libraries (ARL) Section serving in the webinar team, where webinars are organized to address the new trends in academic and research libraries globally. She is also a member of the Open Repositories Steering Committee.
She is a certified instructor of Library Carpentry.Tuelo is a recipient of Data Science training award: 2016 CODATA International Training Workshop for Developing Countries on Big Data for Science- Beijing, China, awarded Best Poster Presentation during the 2023 Open Repositories Conference, Stellenbosch, South Africa and a recipient of other several international fellowship and travel grant awards for training as well as presenting in international conferences. Tuelo is a master’s degree holder and a bachelor’s degree in library and information studies from University of Botswana. She also holds a post graduate diploma in information technology from Amity University.
Ms Simisani Nokulunga Ndaba, UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA, Teaching Assistant
Simisani Ndaba is a Teaching Assistant at the Department of Computer Science at the University of Botswana. She holds qualifications in Masters of Science in Computer Information Systems and Bachelors in Business Information Systems. Beyond her academic role, Ndaba is a co-organizer of R-Ladies Gaborone, a chapter of the global R-Ladies network that supports and encourages women in the R programming and data science fields. She actively promotes the use of R for data analysis and has been involved in initiatives to grow the data science community in Botswana through workshops, webinars, and online events.
Ms Lesego Polite Ramaabya, BOTSWANA GEOSCIENCE INTITUTTE (BGI), Director Information Delivery
Lesego Ramaabya is a Director of Information Delivery at Botswana Geoscience Institute who have progressed as a Geologist from exploration and later advanced into Computer Science. She is responsible for managing the national geoscience data ensuring that the mineral exploration and mining industry within the Country advances enabling the country to be recognized globally, as an interim to attract investors within the mining sector. Her role have implemented the National Priority 3 – Digitization component through the development and commissioning of Botswana’s Mining Cadaster System as is used by Department of Mines, in managing exploration and mining licenses, mineral permits, blasting licenses and the like.
She has served in numerous international bodies such as being a member of the Commission for the Management and Application of Geoscience Information (CGI) on behalf of Africa which is funded by IUGS (International Union of Geological Sciences https://cgi-iugs.org/#about. She is also a am a member of the Advisory Committee for Computer Science and Information System at BIUST University. Prior to BGI Director of Information Delivery, Ms Lesego Ramaabya served in multiple leadership positions such as being part of the Leadership Committee of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure while working as Head of Information Technology at Department of Water Affairs. Her career has contributed to the economic growth of the Country within the Mining sector as Botswana has over the years had minerals contributing significantly within the national GPD.
Internationally her role at BGI have contributed to harmonization of various Mineralization systems as piloted and some used across Africa. She has also contributed to CODATA data principles and data standardization through international organizations such as International Union of Geological Sciences, Open Geoscience Consortium, Digital Earth Africa etc. Ms Ramaabya (Former Peter) has over 20 years aquired experience within the Government sector with afficliations to the Academic and Private sector through collaboration and partnerships. Ms Ramaabya holds MSc in Computer Science, MPhil in Computer Science both from University of Newcastle, Department of Science and Engineering (UK) and BSc in Geology University of Botswana, and PGP in GIS and Remote Sensing University of Glasgow, Scotland (UK).
Ms Doreen Ditshwanelo, Botswana Harvard Health Partnership (BHP), LABORATORY SCIENTIST
Doreen Ditshwanelo is currently a Laboratory Scientist at the Botswana Harvard Health Partnership (BHP), where she focuses on wastewater surveillance and pathogen detection to monitor public health trends. Since beginning her career at BHP in 2018, she has also collaborated with Maryland Global Health Initiatives on the Botswana AIDS Impact Survey (BAIS V) study, analyzing HIV-related data. Doreen’s experience includes her role as a Research Laboratory Fellow at BHP and an internship where she supported sample extraction and analysis for HIV and hepatitis B studies. An aspiring PhD student, she is eager to further her studies in data science and bioinformatics, aiming to leverage her background in biological sciences to advance healthcare solutions through data-driven research. Doreen holds both a Master’s and a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and Biotechnology (2023) from Botswana International University of Science and Technology.
Prof. Abid Yahya, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Senior Member, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) , Chair, IEEE Botswana Sub-Section, Professional Engineer, Botswana Engineers Registration Board (ERB)
Prof. Abid Yahya is a distinguished academic and leader in electrical and electronic engineering. He is currently affiliated with the Botswana International University of Science and Technology. As Chair of the IEEE Botswana Section and a Senior Member of IEEE, Prof. Yahya has dedicated over twenty years to advancing technology, research, and education. He holds a PhD and MSc in Wireless and Mobile Systems from Universiti Sains Malaysia and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from UET Peshawar, Pakistan.
Prof. Yahya’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including a National Award from Botswana’s Ministry for his work in sustainable technology. With over 135 publications, he has led several high-impact, grant-funded projects. His current project, Innovative Machine Learning Applications for Sustainable Mining Practices in Botswana and Zimbabwe, funded under the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), focuses on leveraging machine learning to promote sustainable mining, with support from the Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub and international partners).
Additionally, Prof. Yahya has collaborated with Botswana’s Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) on the Skills Development and Workforce Optimization in Emerging Technologies project to address skill gaps and enhance workforce capabilities in Botswana’s tech sector. He also leads the Botswana Smart Agriculture Project, funded by HRDC and utilizes IoT and AI to improve farm productivity and sustainability.
Prof. Yahya’s commitment to research and innovation is underscored by his active involvement in multiple advisory roles, which have influenced policy development and advanced technology in Botswana and the region.
Prof. Julius Atlhopheng, NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE (NARDI), CEO
Professor Atlhopheng is the Chief Executive Officer charged with leading the Institute and operationalising the NARDI Strategy which outlines the aspirations of the NARDI Board of Directors. He is responsible for ensuring the organisation is structured and resourced optimally to ensure the achievement of NARDI strategic objectives. Prior to being NARDI CEO, Professor Atlhopheng served multiple leadership positions and tasks of local and international impact. He is a UN trained assessor of competencies, chaired local organising committees for the International Data Week and the International Juniour Science Olympiad, in 2018. Has chaired the Appointments and Promotions Committee (of former BCA) and was Council Member when BUAN statutes were formulated. He is the United Nation’s trained Expert Negotiator in Multilateral Environmental Agreements e.g. climate change, the Sustainable Development Goals; and the Botswana Chairman of the National Task Force of United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). He chaired the National Mirror Committee (under BOBS) and participation in international development of the land degradation standards under ISO.
He served as a member of various Presidential Task Force and Leadership in government advisory groups. Professor Atlhopheng has over 30 years of experience in academia, with Teaching, Research, Professional Engagement, and Supervision of BSc, MSc & PhDs. He has served at the University of Botswana as Head of Department, Dean of the Faculty of Science, where he attained Full Professor rank. He has comprehensive Research and Publications, with some of his publications piloted as rural sustenance strategies to diversify sources of livelihoods. Professor Atlhopheng holds PhD from the University of Wollongong, Department of Geosciences in Australia, MSc from Kings College London (University of London) in the United Kingdom and BSc with Honours from the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom.
Prof. Kgomotso Hildegard Moahi, University of Botswana, as head of department, Dean, and acting Vice Chancellor
Professor Kgomotso H Moahi has served in multiple leadership roles at the University of Botswana, as head of department, Dean, and acting Vice Chancellor. She was a member of UB Senate and Council, and Chair of the Committee of Deans at UB. In February 2020 she retired from the University of Botswana and joined the Botswana Open University (BOU) as DVC Student Services and was later redeployed to the Academic Services Division as the DVC. In April 2023 she was appointed acting Vice Chancellor at the Botswana Open University of BOU, where she is leading the transformation of the Botswana Open University according to its 2036 Strategic Framework, a blueprint to turn BOU into a renown open university offering open and distance education. Her substantive position is Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Services. In this position she oversees two divisions, Academic Services and Research Innovation and Partnerships.
Prior to that she served at the University of Botswana as a lecturer in library and information science and moved up the ranks to full professor. Prof Moahi taught and researched on the use of ICTs in information management and librarianship, promotion and protection of indigenous knowledge, health informatics, business information systems, information ethics, and ethical and legal issues of information management. She supervised students at master’s and PhD levels. Prof Moahi led a team of academics in the development of Botswana’s National ICT Policy (Maitlamo) in 2004. She participated in several health informatics projects such as Healthnet (1996) and the Building Europe Africa collaborative Network for applying Information Society Technologies in the Healthcare Sector (BEANISH) project aimed at developing a distict health information system for Botswana. She was co-chair of the Health Commission in preparation for the World Information Technology Forum (WITFOR) in 2005. Professor Moahi was pivotal as acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Botswana in bringing CODATA conference to Botswana in 2017. She recently (2022-2023) chaired a committee tasked with the development of an Open Science Policy for Botswana; a draft policy has been developed and awaits stakeholder consultation.
Dr Kelemwork Agafari Kassahun/Madibela, Botho University, Senior Library and Research Team Leader
Kelemwork Agafari Kassahun is the Senior Library and Research Team Leader at Botho University, where she manages research data and academic research outputs and oversees the institutional knowledge repository. With over two decades of experience in library and information science, Kelem specialises in open science and research data management. She is responsible for research performance reporting, guiding external funding opportunities, and advising on research publications. She also leads policy development for library and research-related initiatives at the university.
Kelem holds two master’s degrees: one in Library and Information Studies from the University of Botswana and another in Rural Development from Indira Gandhi National Open University. She is pursuing a PhD in Information Science from the University of South Africa, focusing on “Towards a Framework for Data Sharing Among Researchers in Selected Botswana Universities.” Her diverse academic and professional expertise positions her as a key contributor to advancing research data management and knowledge-sharing practices in higher education. Kelemwork Agafari Kassahun is actively engaged in research focusing on open science and data. She has presented 10 research papers in these areas and published two articles. Her work emphasises the importance of knowledge sharing and open-access resources, contributing significantly to research data management and scholarly communication in higher education.
Dr Chipo Zidana, Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), Lecturer- Statistics
Dr Chipo Zidana is a dedicated professional in Statistics and data sciences with over a decade hands-on experience in data science, data modelling and analysis, statistical collaborations and consultations, and data management using different platforms including R/Python/STATA/SPSS. She has consistently demonstrated a commitment to advance and integrate the use of data to solve our day-to-day real-life challenges for data informed decision making and policy development. Armed with a PhD in Statistics she has been an advocate for proper data use and application for sustainable health (SDG 3). She concurrently serves as Lecturer in Statistics and Statistical Services Coordinator (SSU) at BIUST, since 2019 where she has been instrumental in Statistical computing and data education. As SSU coordinator she has been part of mentoring the next generation of data scientist and statisticians by mentoring over a dozen research assistants and businesses. She has trained various data users and stakeholders both in Botswana and regionally on proper data usage, software, statistical data analysis and data science among others through training, workshops and conferences. Her passion for open data and its proper use for sustainable development have seen her serving on different voluntary positions including as Vice Organising Secretary for Zimbabwe Statistical Association, organising chairperson for African Women in Data Science Conference -2024 where she also facilitated a Panel discussion session on data Science Education in Africa.
Dr Zidana has over 17 years of experience in academia with Teaching, Research and professional engagements in Zimbabwe and Botswana. At the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Zimbabwe she served various leadership positions including Acting Head of Department, Senate representative, Faculty Strategic Committee, and Postgraduate Coordinator for Applied Mathematics Department. She has mentored several BSc, MSc & PhD students in various areas of statistics, Mathematics, Data Science and their applications to health and crime data. Dr Zidana holds PhD from the Cukurova University Turkey, MSc Mathematics from University of Zimbabwe and BSc Applied Mathematics and PGDHE from NUST, Zimbabwe.
Ms Olga Tladi, BOTSWANA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY(BIUST), Library Officer
Ms. Olga Tladi is an open science enthusiast, currently working as an academic librarian at Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST). She holds a Degree in Library Studies from University of Botswana (2009) and Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety from Gaborone University College of law and Professional Studies(2021).She is currently pursuing Masters in Library and Information Studies at the University of Botswana. She carries tremendous experience working with open science platforms in the education sector. She is actively engaged in open science and digital scholarship initiatives at her institution. She currently serves as a research data management steward responsible for managing and curating research data for the institutional repository. She was instrumental as a committee member in organizing the Database of the African Theses and Dissertations, DATAD-R conference hosted by the Association of African Universities (AAU) at BIUST in 2019 under the theme,” Institutional Repositories for research visibility and Knowledge Management in Higher Education Institutions”. She has a keen interest in advancing data policy and infrastructure that supports global research. In addition, she is an active member of Innovation Kgotla, and Wikimedia User group Botswana both which are community groups that advances the Open Science mandate. She is also a member of the Internet Society which is a global charitable organization empowering people to keep the internet a force for good: open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy. Her research interests are data science, artificial intelligence, developing data-sharing frameworks, metadata standards and assistive technologies.
Dr Rahul Verma, BOTSWANA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, Associate Professor
Professor Rahul Verma bring along over 32 years of experience in Teaching, research, and Industrial Operations (Geology). Besides, He has key experience in administration and management and have successfully contributed to establishing one premier academic institution, named ‘’Informatics’’. Prof. Verma has an extraordinarily strong throughout first division educational background (Ph.D. in Petrology and Geochemistry) and master’s specialization in Structural Geology from Banaras Hindu University (one of the top three universities of India) and 4 years of industrial exposure. He has an excellent familiarity with Teaching Operations for more than twenty-seven years (Geology/Geological Engineering). He has been teaching Structural Geology/Principles of Geochemistry/Mineral Exploration/ Mineralogy & Petrology at Botswana International University of Science & Technology (BIUST). BIUST happens to be amongst the top universities pan-Africa. Four prestigious awards have been conferred on him for his excellence in science namely “The Vigyan Shiromani” award in 2015, the BAGE (Botswana Association of Geological Engineers) Fellowship in 2019, and the Prestigious Scientist Award (ALPHA 2021), and World Researchers Association Fello (2023).
Dr Keoagile Kerileng, Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), Lecturer
Dr. Keoagile Kerileng is a lecturer at Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) with a PhD in Civil Engineering from the Harbin Institute of Technology, China. His research focuses on the dynamic impact resistance of Duplex Stainless Steel Circular Hollow Section (CHS) structures, employing a data-driven approach through experimental, numerical, and analytical methods.
Dr. Kerileng is strongly committed to leveraging data-centric technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Python programming to drive innovation in structural engineering and beyond. Proficient in using Jupyter Notebook for Python-based data analysis and Dynamo for visual programming, Dr. Kerileng integrates these technologies to enhance decision-making and optimize workflows in engineering projects. His published work on material investigations utilizes advanced data analytics to inform structural design and improve impact resistance performance. Additionally, Dr. Kerileng teaches and supervises projects that emphasize data management, integrating BIM and GIS to improve the accuracy and efficiency of structural analysis. His goal is to advance data and open science initiatives in Botswana to foster innovation and drive sustainable development in the engineering sector.
Mr Tsaone Swaabow Thapelo, Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), PhD Candidate (Computer Science)
Mr Thapelo is PhD Candidate at the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) under the department of Computing and Informatics. His current research is focused on bridging data-driven asset value gaps using knowledge informed machine learning. He holds a Master’s degree in Mechatronics and Industrial Instrumentation engineering from BIUST, a Post-graduate Diploma in Mathematics Education from the University of Botswana, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the Central University (Marta Abreu) of Las Villas.
His expertise spans across Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Informed Learning, and High-Performance Computing (HPC). Mr Thapelo’s research projects highlights include the development of the SASSCAL WebSAPI, a web scraping tool that enhances weather data accessibility in Southern Africa, and an informed data driven framework for evaluating public health interventions to support policy and decision-making. Thapelo is a member of the HPC Ecosystem initiative that aims at deploying Artificial Intelligence and HPC systems by training Administrators to operate them across Africa. Mr Thapelo has served on international STEM events (conferences, symposiums and workshops) as a trainee, panelist and reviewer.
Dr Zahid Sultan, Botswana International University of Science & Technology (BIUST), Senior Lecture
Dr. Zahid Sultan is a transportation specialist who is affiliated with Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, BIUST. He is a registered Professional Engineer with ERB in Botswana and a registered with the Botswana accreditation body BQA as an Assessor and Moderator. His professional research interests lie in the Planning, Policy, Social Inclusion and Engineering aspects of Transportation system. He has in-depth knowledge of modern research techniques and software application (also AI tools) for analysing human behaviour, planning and safety issues. He has served at multiple professional positions in Asia, Africa and Europe and performed tasks of local and international impact.
Dr. Sultan has over 19 years of work experience in the field of Teaching, Scientific Research, Professional Engagement and Supervision of BSc, MSc & PhDs. He has written and lectured widely on urban design and transportation issues. He was involved in writing various successful research projects for funding and published 37 peer reviewed research papers, 3 books and 7 book chapters. His publications have an intensive use of quantitative methods comprising big data. His most recent interest lie is to undertake qualitative & quantitative analysis with the assistance of AI. He has attended seminars covering the principles, practices, and ethics of using these techniques throughout the analytic workflow. A range of tools designed for qualitative analysis that harness AI in different ways are learned and applied. He has gained in good understanding about the Tools include, AILYZE, ChatGPT and NVivo. He has vast experience in classroom teaching and consultancy work. He has travelled widely in different continents and have the exposure of multicultural environment. Dr. Sultan holds PhD from the University of Ulster in the United Kingdom, MSc from Linköping University in Sweden and BSc from Brandenburg University of Technology in Germany.
Mr Perseverance B. Difele, Botswana Open University (BOU), Librarian
As a seasoned professional with over 6 years of expertise in Information and Knowledge Management, Mr. Difele is currently serving as a Virtual Librarian for Palapye Campus at Botswana Open University. He possesses a Post Graduate Diploma in Knowledge and Information Systems Management from Stellenbosch University and a Bachelor of Library and Information Science Degree from the University of Botswana. Mr. Difele is a certified trainer, moderator, and assessor in the Information Management field. Additionally, he is a qualified Quality Assurer in Higher Learning Systems.
Mr. Difele has contributed to pivotal projects like the National Open Science Policy drafting, where he served as the committee secretary. It is through his exposure to the draft policies (Open Data and Open Science) that he developed a deeper interest in the enhancement of the Open Data, Open Science phenomena in Botswana. He has demonstrated an astounding level of enthusiasm and knowledge concerning issues related to data protection, information governance, and regulatory compliance. Mr. Difele is a staunch advocate for the Open Data Policy which emphasizes the development of a comprehensive data management framework, the integration of Open Data principles into national strategies, and the successful implementation of collaborative research projects.
Ms Poloko Ntokwane, BOTSWANA INSTITUTE FOR DEVELOPMENT POLICY ANALYSIS (BIDPA), Manager, Knowledge Management and Dissemination
Ms Poloko Ntokwane is a Knowledge Management and Dissemination Manager charged with leading BIDPA information management activities into a high-level plan that encompasses all knowledge management activities that will enable it to manage its knowledge better, to catapult it into a truly knowledge and learning organisation. She has had an illustrious career as an Information Professional and worked in all the spheres of the profession at public, special, diplomatic, schools, colleges and university libraries. She worked for the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) as the University Librarian and Director of Library Services. This includes the US Embassy in Gaborone where she worked as Resources Centre Associate Director. She also worked for the government of Botswana as head of Institute of Health Sciences five libraries and Library Officer for Molepolole public library.
Holds a master’s degree in library and information studies, bachelor’s degree and Diploma in Library Studies both from the University of Botswana and her thesis was on open access and institutional repositories. She developed the institutional repository for Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
She has served in various committees for the government, the profession locally, regionally and several leadership positions. She is a member of Botswana Library Consortium and Country Coordinator for Eifel Open Access. Ms. Ntokwane served also as a member of the Committee for the 2018 International Data Week and hosted the logistics committee. Currently member of the reference group developing Botswana National Open Data Policy and was assigned to do situational analysis for academic and research institutions of Botswana. She Ms. Ntokwane also served as the regional representative for Southern Africa for the International Association of Agricultural and Documentation Centres (IAALD). She is actively involved in Botswana Library Association and Botswana Library Consortium and served as the publicity chairperson and board secretary. Her research interests are information and communication technologies, information policies, digital libraries, open access and open data and the changing role of information professional of which she has published several articles on.
Mr Edison Kambeu, BA ISAGO University, Finance Lecturer
Edson is a Finance Lecturer at BA ISAGO University with over 8 years of teaching and research experience. He holds an MSc in Finance and Investments from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), a BCom (Hons) in Economics from the University of Zimbabwe (UZ), and a Diploma in Banking from the Institute of Bankers Zimbabwe.
Edson is passionate about data and data science. Currently, he is pursuing an MSc in Computer Science with Data Science at the University of Sunderland in the United Kingdom. He is experience in using various data analysis and data science software and programming languages , which include R, Python , SPSS and Stata. Edson’s passion about data and data science has led him to teach various subjects including Research Methods, Statistics, and statistical software such as SPSS, R, and Stata.
He is an active contributor to the MedSentiment open-source project, which aims to develop a sentiment analysis model for medical reviews. Since 2020, Edson has also served as the organizer of Botswana R Users, an R programming community dedicated to knowledge-sharing and collaboration. He is responsible for coordinating meetups and technical conferences. In addition, Edson contributes to the Open-Source Botswana Initiative, launched in January 2024, where he helps identify and support open-source projects with potential impact on local communities.