A significant milestone in Botswana’s higher education and defence collaboration was marked as the Botswana International University of Science & Technology (BIUST) hosted the Commander of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), General Mpho Churchill Mophuting, for a high-level strategic meeting aimed at deepening cooperation and advancing national development.
Commander General Mophuting paid a courtesy visit to the University to appreciate innovative projects undertaken by BDF personnel currently studying at BIUST. He also engaged directly with officers enrolled in postgraduate programmes, reaffirming the Defence Force’s strong commitment to research, development, and capacity building.
Welcoming the delegation, BIUST Vice Chancellor Otlogetswe Totolo described the collaboration between BIUST and BDF as “one of our benchmark partnerships,” noting that the relationship has been firmly grounded in mutual respect, shared purpose, and a common commitment to innovation and national development, with both institutions consistently demonstrating commendable enthusiasm in conceptualising and implementing initiatives that generate practical solutions and drive technological advancement.
He further highlighted the consistent mutual support between the two entities at strategic engagements and institutional events, expressing confidence that their spirit of cooperation and shared vision will continue to grow despite prevailing economic constraints, adding that while they fully appreciate the financial challenges facing both institutions and the nation at large, they remain confident that strategic decisions and forward planning can still be undertaken in preparation for improved economic conditions.
Commander of the Botswana Defence Force, Mpho Churchill Mophuting, noted that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the BDF and the Botswana International University of Science & Technology, emphasising that the partnership has borne fruit over the past decade; he added that although he is new in office, he is well acquainted with the collaboration and has witnessed its tangible results, stressing that the next phase should go beyond producing graduates, as projects developed through the partnership must be taken to the next level through commercialisation so that the innovations can directly benefit Botswana and Batswana.
Acknowledging concerns about the national economy, the Commander underscored that platforms such as this are critical for exploring innovative income-generating avenues. He reaffirmed the BDF’s commitment to research and development, pledging continued support by sending more officers to BIUST for postgraduate studies and specialised upskilling aligned with the Defence Force’s evolving needs.
BIUST researchers presented possible areas of collaboration and potential joint projects prior to the tour of BIUST’s drone technology projects, where BDF officers currently pursuing their studies at the University briefed the delegation on the progress and practical applications of their work. The demonstrations highlighted the transformative potential of home-grown technological solutions in strengthening national security, surveillance, and broader development initiatives.