President Advocate Duma Boko has formally accepted his appointment as the second Chancellor of the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), pledging to advance the institution’s role in driving the country’s transition to a knowledge-based economy.
Advocate Boko paid tribute to his predecessor, former President Festus Gontebanye Mogae, crediting him with providing the leadership that guided the establishment and early growth of the institution. He said Mogae’s legacy continues to inspire both the university and the broader scientific community and committed himself to preserving and advancing that foundation.
The President underscored BIUST’s strategic importance, noting that it was established to spearhead Botswana’s shift from a resource-dependent economy to one driven by knowledge, innovation and research. He linked the university’s mandate to the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP), which prioritises education, particularly in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), as a key driver of economic growth and employment.
“In the 21st century, the prosperity of nations will increasingly depend on what resides within the minds of their people,” Boko said, emphasising the importance of investing in education and continuous learning.
Highlighting Botswana’s youthful population as a critical asset, Boko called for deliberate efforts to equip young people with relevant skills. He commended BIUST for producing more than 3,000 graduates who are contributing to national development as entrepreneurs, innovators and professionals.
He also pointed to Botswana’s recent milestone in space technology, referencing the launch of the country’s first satellite, BOTSAT-1. Boko noted that BIUST played a central role in the project, leading research, engineering and capacity-building efforts. He added that the university has since introduced postgraduate programmes to train local engineers to operate satellite systems.
Describing the satellite launch as a signal of Botswana’s readiness to innovate, Boko said such achievements align with national efforts to diversify the economy beyond diamonds. He cited ongoing initiatives, including the establishment of a National Research and Development Fund and the integration of STEAM into vocational education.
Boko further aligned BIUST’s mission with Botswana’s long-term development goals under Vision 2036 and National Development Plan 12, which aim to create a high-income, diversified and digitally enabled economy.
As Chancellor, he pledged to provide strategic leadership, promote the university’s interests and strengthen its global profile. He acknowledged challenges facing higher education institutions, including funding constraints and global competition for talent, but expressed confidence that BIUST can overcome these through collaboration and innovation.
Boko said he would work closely with the university’s leadership and academic community to strengthen governance, expand partnerships and enhance research excellence.
He concluded by urging the BIUST community to remain committed to discovery and innovation, stating that the pursuit of knowledge must remain at the heart of the university’s mission as Botswana seeks to position itself as a leader in science and technology.