No Poverty
BIUST Contribution and Alignment with National Priorities
Overview
Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG 1) aims to end poverty in all its forms everywhere by 2030. Poverty remains a significant challenge, limiting access to education, healthcare, and basic services, and constraining social and economic mobility. In Botswana, poverty reduction is a priority under Vision 2036, which aims to achieve a high-income, inclusive, and prosperous society, and is further reinforced by National Development Plan 12 (NDP 12) (2025–2030).
SDG 1 also aligns with Agenda 2063 of the African Union, which emphasizes a high standard of living, quality of life, and well-being for all citizens. Universities play a pivotal role in advancing SDG 1 by expanding educational opportunities, providing financial support to low-income students, and fostering community engagement that drives socio-economic development.
BIUST’s Contribution to SDG 1
The Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) is committed to supporting poverty reduction through education, innovation, and community engagement. Key contributions include:
- Scholarships and sponsorships are provided to students from low-income backgrounds.
- Refugee students receive targeted sponsorship programs.
- Currently, four low-income students benefit from direct financial support, with three students receiving full tuition and accommodation assistance, and one receiving partial support.
- Ensures that students from economically disadvantaged households can complete their studies.
- Covers tuition waivers, accommodation, stipends, and other essential needs.
- Setting admission targets for students from the bottom financial quintile.
- Comprehensive student support, including housing, food, transportation, and legal aid.
- Community-based programs promoting entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and access to essential services.
- Engagement in policy development at local, national, and regional levels to systematically address poverty.
BIUST’s Alignment with NDP 12:
Provision of scholarships and financial aid for low-income students.
Training students in STEM fields to enhance employability and entrepreneurship.
Community projects that stimulate local economic growth and knowledge transfer.
Research and innovation initiatives that address socio-economic challenges in Botswana.
Strategic Alignment with BIUST Transformative Strategy & Vision 2036
BIUST aims to leverage research, innovation, and education to create sustainable solutions for societal challenges, including poverty reduction.
Human and Social Development: BIUST’s initiatives directly support inclusive growth, equitable access to opportunities, and the empowerment of vulnerable populations.
BIUST’s work is in line with national statutes, including:
- Environmental Assessment Act (Cap. 65:07): Ensuring responsible and sustainable community development.
Town and Country Planning Act (Cap. 32:09): Promoting organized and inclusive settlement planning that benefits communities.
Botswana Climate Change Policy: Encouraging sustainable livelihoods that reduce vulnerability of disadvantaged populations.
Impact and Future Potential:
Through strategic expansion of financial aid, student support, and community innovation, BIUST is positioned to amplify its impact on poverty reduction. Leveraging research capacity and technical expertise, the University contributes to sustainable solutions, economic empowerment, and broader socio-economic inclusion