Dr. Obolokile Thothi Obed Obakeng
Dr. Obolokile Thothi Obed Obakeng is a distinguished hydrogeologist and public servant with extensive expertise in water resources management and environmental science. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of Botswana (1995), followed by an MSc in Water Resources Management (with distinction) in Hydrogeology from the International Institute for Aerospace Survey and Earth Sciences (ITC-Netherlands) in 2000. He further honed his expertise by studying Isotope Hydrology at the Royal University of Groningen in 1996, and earned his PhD in Hydrogeology/Hydrology from Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam in 2007.
Dr. Obakeng embarked on his professional career in 1997 as an assistant hydrogeologist at the Department of Geological Survey. His exceptional contributions led to his rapid advancement to Principal Hydrogeologist I in 2007. In 2008, he transitioned to the Department of Water Affairs, where his leadership and vision propelled him from Deputy Director to Director of Water Affairs by 2010. In his role as Director, he was instrumental in overseeing nationwide water resources management and ensuring equitable water distribution across various sectors. He also managed trans-boundary water issues through key river-basin organizations including ORASECOM, LIMCOM, OKACOM, and ZAMCOM. Currently, Dr. Obakeng serves as the Deputy Permanent Secretary for Mines and Minerals in the Ministry of Minerals and Energy.
Throughout his career, Dr. Obakeng has contributed significantly to the fields of water resources and environmental management. His research focuses on the dynamic interactions between plants, water (including soil moisture, surface water, and groundwater), and the atmosphere—especially in the context of climate change in the Kalahari. A prolific author, he has published numerous papers, reports, and articles, and actively participates in shaping academic discourse as a member of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH) and the PhD thesis committee at the University of Twente.
Dr. Obakeng’s leadership is marked by several innovative initiatives:
- Capacity Building: He initiated collaborations with prominent Swedish institutions—Stockholm International Water Institute, Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute, and Chalmers University—resulting in the training of approximately 200 employees at the Department of Water Affairs.
- Institutional Enhancements: He led the establishment of the Water Accounts and Operational Hydrological Forecasting Units, and coordinated the development of Botswana’s Integrated Water Resources Management and Water Efficiency Plan.
- Infrastructure and Research: He has overseen major water development projects, including dam and pipeline construction, and facilitated research partnerships between the University of Botswana, BIUST, and the Department of Water Affairs to assess factors influencing Gaborone dam yield.
- Environmental Monitoring and Impact Assessments: Dr. Obakeng has been pivotal in developing a comprehensive environmental monitoring network across the Kalahari and providing expert guidance on environmental impact assessments.
- Educational Innovation: In a special assignment from the National Committee for the Improvement of the Education Sector, he developed a School Information Management System (SIMS) to enhance the management of public primary and secondary schools across Botswana.
Dr. Obakeng’s exemplary service and leadership have earned him international recognition. He was honored with the Global CSR and Leadership Award by the World Congress at Taj Lands Ends in Mumbai on 18 February 2015, and received the Visionary Award from World Vision Academy, Ahmedabad, India on 12 April 2015.
