The Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) welcomed the Minister of Higher Education, Honourable Prince Maele, along with Permanent Secretary Professor Nelson Torto and Deputy Director of the Department of Tertiary Education Financing (DTEF), Ms. Ellen Kgotlhang. This visit marked a crucial step in strengthening ties between BIUST and the ministry, aiming to align academic programs with industry needs and enhance research for national development.
Minister Maele emphasized the need for BIUST to equip students with industry-relevant skills to tackle Botswana’s unemployment challenges. He also highlighted the importance of research and development (R&D) in driving economic growth. In response, BIUST Vice Chancellor Professor Otlogetswe Totolo reaffirmed the university’s commitment to its three strategic pillars: academic excellence, social relevance, and commercial attractiveness. He also addressed key challenges faced by the institution, including limited budgets, staffing shortages, and inadequate student accommodation. The Minister assured BIUST of the ministry’s support in addressing these issues.
As part of the visit, the delegation toured key BIUST facilities, including student hostels, the BOT-SAT 1 ground station, and the Civil and Environmental Lab, showcasing the university’s state-of-the-art research infrastructure. Students and union representatives also engaged with the Minister, discussing academic and professional concerns. During the tour at the BOT-SAT 1 ground station, Professor Totolo noted that the launch of the satellite would create employment opportunities and significantly contribute to Botswana’s technological advancement. It was also revealed that the BOT-SAT team plans to visit 40 senior schools nationwide to educate students about satellite technology.
The Botswana Satellite (BOT-SAT 1) is a data-driven satellite set to be used in agriculture, town planning, and water resource management, further demonstrating BIUST’s commitment to practical, high-impact research.
BIUST’s impressive achievements were highlighted, reinforcing its leadership in science, technology, and innovation. Notable accomplishments include:
- Ranked No. 1 in Botswana and No. 20 in Africa by Times Higher Education.
- Leading Botswana-MIT REAP Entrepreneurship and Foundry Fellowship Program (2024).
- Launching Botswana’s first low Earth orbit satellite (Botsat-1) in set for March 2025.
- Hosting Botswana’s largest astronomy telescope and developing an Astro-Tourism Park.
- Advancing sustainability through the Oliver Tambo Research Chair and UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies.
- Establishing BIUST Enterprise Ltd., a technology-driven commercial company.
- Producing Botswana’s first Master’s in Engineering graduates in Drone Technology, serving in the BDF.
- Developing postgraduate programs in Satellite Engineering.
- Collaborating with BDF and U.S. Army on a drone wildlife project.
- Leading Botswana’s nuclear science and coal characterization research initiatives.
- Creating a Crop Management Database for Botswana’s agricultural sector.
The visit underscored the strong partnership between BIUST and the Ministry of Higher Education. With a shared vision for research, innovation, and industry-driven education, BIUST continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Botswana’s future economic and technological landscape.