Botswana is a multi-party democratic state committed to freedom of speech and dialogue. The nation is founded on four principles of Democracy, Development, Self-reliance and Unity, which aim to achieve social harmony and give rise to four main development objectives:

·         Rapid Economic Growth

·         Social Justice

·         Economic Independence

·         Sustained Development

Botswana believes that Democracy can be expressed through an open approach to research. Such research is closely linked with development, and is manifested through cooperation between researchers and Government. Furthermore consistent with the principles of Self-reliance, the Government is anxious to build up a sound research capacity.

Research in Botswana is however, guided by the Anthropological and /or Monuments and Relics Act. While development oriented research is a priority, in the interest of expanding knowledge in various fields, research of a more academic and theoretical nature is permitted wherever possible.

Botswana has adopted an open research policy and encourages research. However, it is a small population which is sparsely distributed, and is open to dangers of being over-researched in certain areas. Hence, all applications for research will be subjected to careful evaluation.  It is important that research proposals should take into consideration the respect of persons, beneficence and justice in accordance with international guidelines on ethical principles and for the protection of human subjects of research. Priority will be given to research by local institutions and to research which is of maximum benefit to the nation.

Particular encouragement is given to research relating to geographical areas and subjects not previously extensively studied, as well as to subjects of specific value for the country. At the same time the issue of research permit depends upon the qualifications, references, institutional and financial support of the researcher, and the clarity and soundness of the research proposal.

It should therefore be noted that not every application, however well substantiated, will meet with Government approval. Prospective researchers should understand the reasons for these precautions, and voluntarily comply with the spirit as well as the letter of these Guidelines for Application for a Research Permit.