03 Dec 2023

In an effort to address the skills gap, industries have been urged to collaborate with educational institutions for guidance. 

 Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development, Mr Aubrey Lesaso, emphasised the importance of articulating requirements in the employment industry to ensure that institutions produce resources and skills that drive workplace productivity and, subsequently, economic growth.

 During the Botswana Accountancy College (BAC) graduation ceremony on Saturday, Mr Lesaso spoke about the need for efficient knowledge value chains to establish a knowledge-based economy and compete globally.   

 He highlighted his ministry’s responsibility for human capital development and pledged to ensure that Batswana possess the necessary skills to transform the country into a knowledge-based economy.

He said over the past two decades, the government had invested more than 25 per cent of the annual budget toward education and skills development. 

 “The ministry is currently reviewing the curriculum and teaching methods across various disciplines and plans to introduce new programs as per industry requirements,” he said.

  Mr Lesaso also called upon other educational and training providers to continuously innovate and improve educational outcomes.

Mr Lesaso stated, “Through the SmartBots Digital Transformation Strategy, with the development and deployment of digital solutions, we can take advantage of ensuring that there are advancements in villages and effectively manage rural-urban migration. 

Given our increasing dependence on ICTs over time, he said it was crucial  to leverage these technologies to enhance output and drive productivity.”

During the graduation ceremony, Ms One Dikhudu, the Valedictorian of 2023, who achieved a first-class Professional BSc (Hons) Degree in Insurance, encouraged her fellow graduates to believe in themselves and view graduation as a sign of victory, inspiring them to embrace new beginnings.

Professor Andrea Walters, the Secretary of the University of Sunderland, praised the graduating class of 2023 as critical change agents in socio-economic development. 

 She urged them to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired and to be the solution and change that the country needed.  

 Professor Walters commended the class of 2023 for their immense strength, discipline, and agility in embracing change with courage and enthusiasm.

She implored them to commit and work hard to make a difference. Ends