Reduce Inequality within and among countries
Empowering Inclusive Growth, Equal Opportunity, and Social Equity
About SDG 10
At BIUST, we recognise that achieving inclusive growth and sustainable development demands more than economic expansion, it requires ensuring that every citizen has equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from that growth. SDG 10 calls for the reduction of inequality within and among countries, by promoting social, economic and political inclusion for all, and ensuring that growth in the income of the bottom 40 % of the population is higher than the national average.
In Botswana, the National Development Plan 12 embraces the theme “Accelerating Development Efforts Towards Vision 2036 Without Leaving Anyone Behind” and emphasises key initiatives in social protection, education and skills development, decentralisation, empowerment of youth, women and persons with disabilities, and equitable access to economic opportunities. Through NDP 12, Botswana is advancing the targets of SDG 10 by embedding inclusivity in its national development architecture.
BIUST’s Transformative Strategy 2023–2028 aligns closely with this national agenda. The University is committed to cultivating an environment where students of diverse backgrounds, including women, youth, persons with disabilities and underserved communities, are supported to achieve their potential. This dedication is exemplified in programmes such as the School of Business and Professional Development’s “Inclusive Growth Bootcamp” which advances leadership, financial literacy and entrepreneurship for emerging professionals. Furthermore, BIUST’s strategic partnerships—such as the Memorandum of Understanding with the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) that fosters applied innovation and industry-academia linkages—help bridge the gap between academic learning and inclusive employment opportunities.
Legally and institutionally, the institution’s inclusive mandate is supported by Botswana’s constitutional guarantee of non-discrimination (see Section 15 of the Constitution of Botswana) and the recent Persons with Disabilities Act (2024) which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability and promotes equal access to education, employment and services.
BIUST’s Commitment to Reducing Inequalities
BIUST’s Transformative Strategy 2023–2028 champions inclusivity as a pillar of institutional excellence and social responsibility. The University is dedicated to ensuring equitable access to STEM education, empowering underrepresented groups, and strengthening partnerships that foster inclusive innovation and entrepreneurship.
Key areas of BIUST’s alignment with SDG 10 and NDP 12 include:
- Inclusive Education and Skills Development: BIUST provides scholarship support and mentorship for female students in STEM, promoting gender equity in science and engineering disciplines. The University also works to increase participation of students from rural and disadvantaged communities, ensuring equitable access to quality education.
- Empowerment and Economic Inclusion: The School of Business and Professional Development’s “Inclusive Growth Bootcamp” supports youth, women, and early-career professionals in building entrepreneurial and leadership skills for job creation and self-reliance.
Partnerships for Empowerment and Inclusion: In 2024, BIUST and the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote research commercialisation, entrepreneurship development, and inclusive innovation ecosystems. This collaboration strengthens pathways for students and young innovators to access funding, mentorship, and real-world industrial experience.
- Regional and Global Collaboration: BIUST engages in multi-stakeholder partnerships that promote equality across borders, aligning with SDG 17 and Agenda 2063’s call for shared prosperity. Initiatives such as FAST4Future and SKA/AVN strengthen regional research capacity and create opportunities for African scientists, youth, and innovators.
BIUST’s strategic approach to SDG 10 reflects a deep commitment to building an equitable, inclusive academic and innovation ecosystem that aligns with both national development priorities and global sustainability frameworks. Through targeted initiatives, inclusive policies, and transformative partnerships with institutions like BDC and UNDP Botswana, the University continues to champion equality in education, innovation, and opportunity—ensuring that no one is left behind on Botswana’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable development.