03 Apr 2025

Botswana’s future economic growth and innovation depend on collaboration between the education sector and industries, said Minister of Higher Education, Mr Prince Maele.

Speaking during the launch of 2025 Tertiary Institutions National Roadshow in Gaborone recently, Mr Maele underscored collaboration as a central pillar for preparing students to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market. Such collaborations are crucial for fostering innovation, improving the quality of education, and ensuring students acquired skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly competitive global economy, said the minister.

As Botswana transition towards a knowledge-based economy, Mr Maele stressed the need for greater cooperation between educational institutions, both public and private and industries that would ultimately employ graduates. He said by working in unity, Botswana would enhance the quality and relevance of its education system, fostering a more innovative and economically vibrant future for all citizens. He also said fostering partnerships between academia and industry would create a more dynamic and relevant learning environment.

“When education and industry work together, we create a powerful synergy that benefits both students and employers. Students receive a more practical, hands-on education, while industries gain access to a workforce that is better equipped to meet their evolving needs,” Mr Maele said.

He added that by forging strong connections between educational institutions and industries, Botswana could equip young people with the technical skills increasingly in demand across various sectors from manufacturing to technology and services. He cited countries such as Germany and Singapore which invested heavily in education-industry collaborations, as successful examples of how strong partnerships could lead to lower unemployment rates, higher productivity, and a more competitive workforce. 

“Botswana is now looking to these models as a blueprint for its own educational transformation,” he said.

He also highlighted that collaboration in education also entailed pathways for innovation, not just aligning curricula with industry needs..

“By bringing together diverse stakeholders, including government, educational institutions, private companies, and international partners, Botswana can foster a culture of innovation that will drive economic growth and improve the lives of its citizens,” he said.

The minister further said government would continue to prioritise education and skills development, as well as build more robust relationships between academia and industry.

“Education is not just about producing graduates; it’s about producing innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders who will drive the economy forward,” he added.

He hailed the Tertiary Institutions National Roadshow, which has already seen success in Northern Botswana, as a critical step in helping students make informed decisions about their educational paths. ENDS