The Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) proudly hosted faculty from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), representing the Kuo Sharper Centre for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship and MIT Sandbox, as part of the ongoing Botswana–MIT five-year partnership.
This high-level visit, held from 25–26 June 2025, set the stage for the rollout of two innovation-focused programmes that launched in August 2025—a milestone in BIUST’s transformation into a hub for STEM innovation and entrepreneurship.
Prof. Patricia Makepe, Dean of the School of Business and Professional Development, and BIUST’s Academic Lead on this national initiative, announced the launch of:
• MIT Student Entrepreneurship Fellowship Programme
A competitive, year-long programme for undergraduate and postgraduate students, designed to nurture deep-tech entrepreneurs aligned with Botswana’s National Transformation Strategy. Students will receive expert mentorship, take part in ecosystem tours, attend guest lectures, and showcase their businesses through pitch nights—graduating with real, market-ready ventures.
• MIT Sandbox Programme at BIUST
This programme helps student-led teams turn ideas into Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) through mentorship, access to expert-led workshops, and seed funding of up to USD 1,000. It begins with one cohort and will scale to two annually, supporting startups through legal, IP, and business development resources.
She said her department is making a profound impact on both academic development and national transformation through its integrated focus on teaching, entrepreneurship, research, and community engagement. Comprising three key units: Academic Literacy & Social Sciences, Business Management & Entrepreneurship, and Teaching & Learning, the department plays a strategic role in fulfilling BIUST’s mission of driving academic excellence and supporting a knowledge-based economy.
Prof Makepe said in line with BIUST’s Strategic Pillar of Academic Excellence, the department contributes 15% of the curricula in the university’s Science and Engineering programmes. It also offers a diverse range of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) short courses, helping students, professionals, and industry players to upskill and adapt in a rapidly evolving world. Notably, it delivers a Certificate in Entrepreneurship aimed at fostering innovation and business acumen among students and the public. As an accredited tuition provider for the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), the department further supports the development of financially literate and globally competitive graduates.
She said that beyond the classroom, the department is deeply involved in national development through initiatives anchored in BIUST’s Strategic Pillar of Engagement for Development as it runs the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs), providing practical skills and business support to aspiring entrepreneurs. The BIUST Entrepreneurship Hub, through its Business Clinic, offers advisory services that help local enterprises grow and thrive.
The BIUST Vice Chancellor Professor Otlogetswe Totolo said these initiatives mark a transformative leap in BIUST’s mission to become “The University of Industries”, creating a pipeline of innovation-driven entrepreneurs (IDEs) who will drive inclusive, tech-led economic development in Botswana and beyond. He further mentioned that this collaboration acme at opportune time as BIUST strives to address the 40% unemployment rate which Botswana finds itself facing as the University produces industry ready graduates equipped with skills such as business management, negotiation skills, Chinese language to compete in the market.
He further said BIUST is producing Botswana’s new diamonds; world class graduates who will fit seamlessly into our entrepreneurship ecosystem to build innovation driven tech-ventures that have positive social and economic impact.
Prof Totolo said Government revenues have declined, making it imperative for the country to find new revenue generating sources. “With the steady pipeline of innovation driven entrepreneurs, we are going to produce and let out into the entrepreneurship ecosystem we are confident that we will accelerate the process of economic diversification and transformation because our science and technology graduates will be equipped to set up high quality, competitive, world class ventures that will also create the much-needed jobs, products and services needed by the economy” he said.
Ms. Dina H. Sherif, Head of the MIT Delegation, praised Botswana’s vision for empowering national institutions like BIUST. She noted that universities are catalysts for economic growth fueling collaboration, entrepreneurship, and community development. “Africa’s universities,” she said, “must lead the transition to a knowledge-based economy, ensuring the continent benefits from its own resources rather than remaining a consumer of raw exports.”