13 Oct 2023

The contribution of the agriculture sector to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is still relatively low, at about two per cent, therefore raising a need to drive productivity in the sector to bring it at par with countries of a similar GDP as Botswana.

Speaking at the sixth graduation ceremony of the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) on Friday, Standard Chartered Bank Botswana CEO, Mr Mpho Masupe said the nation was therefore looking to graduates such as those of BUAN to become the much need change in ensuring that the contribution of the sector to the GDP increases.

“In 2021 agriculture contributed 9.5 per cent to the GDP of Namibia, and 8.85 to that of Zimbabwe while in Botswana it only contributed about two per cent. So we look to you to be a change to this narrative,” he said.

Mr Masupe also welcomed the recent government decisions such as the current vegetable restriction, which he said led to a reduction in the nation's import bill by around 23 per cent and renewed interest in farming by the youth.

He therefore implored the graduates to be problem solvers, especially that the agriculture value chain had profitable multiplying factor in the economy.

Mr Masupe also said his organisation was alive to the fact that agriculture has the potential to shape the landscape of the country’s economy, hence their relationship with BUAN.

 “As a bank we are therefore willing to assist BUAN sustain its mission of producing innovative graduates and technological solutions for sustainable development in agriculture and natural resources sector,” he said.

Mr Masope also implored the graduates to come up with solutions to the challenges that the local agriculture and natural resources sector faced and harness technology to ensure food security in the country.

“Your skills are highly sought after, and it is a good thing that such skills are backed by the government through initiatives such as the newly launched Temo Letlotlo. Our government has always been deliberate in supporting agriculture as evidenced by our transition through various initiatives such as ALDEP and ISPAAD,” he said.

For his part, BUAN vice chancellor, Professor Ketlhatlogile Mosepele said the institution has the potential to help the country in achieving green economy and food security. He implored the graduates to play their part in economic diversification and food security of the nation.

He said as an institution, they were proud and confident that their training has equipped the graduates with leadership and entrepreneurial skills, and therefore urged them to stay focused and resolute.

He also hailed this year’s graduation for being a first in many things, among that being the first to be sponsored by the private sector as well as the first time to produce a high number of both masters and doctorate graduates.

The university graduated three Doctors of Philosophy, eight Masters of Science as well as a number of degree and diploma graduates. Ends