The Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) has signed a strategic partnership with the Career Dreams Centre (CDC) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen astronomy outreach, advance astro-tourism, and expand public engagement in science.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Maun, BIUST Vice Chancellor Professor Otlogetswe Totolo described the partnership as a reflection of the University’s long-standing commitment to collaboration as a catalyst for national development. He reaffirmed BIUST’s mandate to advance science, technology, innovation, research, and public engagement, noting that meaningful impact requires partnerships beyond traditional academic spaces.
Professor Totolo highlighted that the collaboration with CDC will support astro-tourism as both an educational and marketable tourism experience for domestic and international audiences. He added that the initiative aligns with preparations for the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) Conference 2026 in Kasane, which BIUST will host, including a dedicated Astro-Tourism Pre-Conference Workshop in Maun. He emphasised that the success of such initiatives depends on coordinated efforts and long-term partnerships, combining scientific expertise with tourism training to create credible, culturally grounded, and sustainable tourism products.
Dr. Fahmi Mokhupuki, BIUST Systems Engineer and Chair of the AfAS 2026 Local Organising Committee, echoed the same sentiments, noting that astronomy goes beyond scientific discovery to drive national impact through human capital development and community engagement. He highlighted Career Dreams Centre as a key partner in delivering development-focused workshops, including astro-tourism training and commercialisation strategies, and encouraged further collaboration from interested stakeholders.
From the CDC perspective, Director Mr. Kenneth Karanja described the MoU as a milestone reflecting a shared vision in innovation, education, science, tourism, and community empowerment. He noted that Botswana’s dark night skies remain an untapped asset with potential for tourism diversification and emphasised that the partnership will build capacity among tourism students, professional guides, and community facilitators, enhancing service quality, creating new career pathways, and supporting inclusive economic participation.
CDC Deputy Principal Ms. Lorato Daniels highlighted the Centre’s twenty-year contribution to tourism and hospitality training, noting that the partnership with BIUST merges practical tourism skills with scientific knowledge to pioneer astro-tourism and reinforce innovation-driven transformation in Botswana’s tourism sector.
In her closing remarks, CDC Principal Ms. Otukile echoed the same vision, commending BIUST for its commitment to science, innovation, and skills development. She encouraged stakeholders to participate in upcoming programmes, describing the MoU as the start of a meaningful and impactful collaboration.
The engagement also reinforced BIUST’s role as custodian of Botswana’s national astronomy programme, supported by the Government and strengthened through international collaborations. The development of an observatory at the BIUST campus in Palapye is expected to further enhance research, training, and innovation in astronomy.
Overall, the MoU serves as a practical pathway for translating scientific knowledge into tangible community and socio-economic benefits, combining astronomy and tourism for national development.