On the 5th September, 2006 Botswana Parliament passed the Radiation Protection Bill, 2006. The Radiation Protection Act provides for the safe use of atomic energy and nuclear technology in Botswana.

Atomic energy can be defined as ionizing radiation emitted as a result of electronic or nuclear transitions in an atom. When harnessed purposefully, the energy can be highly destructive militarily or very beneficial when applied scientifically for peaceful purposes.

Nuclear bombs dropped at Hiroshima and Nagasaki during the Second World War demonstrated the unforgettable dark side of nuclear technology. Nowadays, any mention of atomic energy or nuclear technology to an ordinary person in the street becomes a reminder of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The lessons learned as a consequence of Hiroshima led to the establishment of the International Atomic Energy Agency, an organization whose primary goal is to guard against nuclear proliferation and the adverse effects of radiological incidents occurring during peaceful applications of nuclear technology as was the case with Chenobyl. All countries interested in exploiting such a technology are required to comply with the Agency’s basic safety standards, accede to NPT Additional Protocol and Safeguards Agreements and be a member in good standing with the Agency.

Atomic energy, normally produced by radioactive sources, is used in Botswana in a variety of beneficial applications. In medical facilities, it is used extensively in diagnostic and interventional radiology as well as in radiotherapy to treat life threatening diseases such as cancer. Brachytherapy is one such method which has been found to be effective in the treatment of cervical cancer. Nuclear sources are also used widely in various industries for process control, density measurement, well logging, calibration services, security, fixed nuclear gauges, industrial radiography, industrial irradiation, diamond sorting and numerous other applications.

In agriculture, nuclear technology is used in eradication of certain persistent insects or pests affecting crop or fruit yield.  The technology known as sterile insect technique (SIT) renders the male tsetse fly infertile and thus accelerates extinction of the species. Its application to tsetse fly eradiation is highly advanced in Botswana. It has potential to be applied to mosquito as well. If successful in eradicating the tsetse fly, SIT can permanently eliminate sleeping sickness, which in turn, will not only lead to improved animal health and production but also promote tourism in the affected areas. It is therefore, inevitable that nuclear energy has the potential to expedite technological advancement in health, agriculture, industry, research and development and subsequently facilitate the attainment of Vision 2016 pillars.