06 Aug 2026

Government remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthen institutional frameworks necessary for a responsive education and skills development system, Minister of Higher Education, Mr Prince Maele has said.

Speaking at the launch of the Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) Corporate Strategy 2026-2030 and four key national quality assurance frameworks in Gaborone on Monday, Mr Maele said the strategy provided a clear roadmap for achieving that goal by strengthening quality assurance, deepening partnerships, enhancing governance and advancing the international recognition of Botswana’s qualifications.

He said the Norms and Standards for higher education institutions reflected government’s commitment to improving quality across the sector.

The standards, he said, would strengthen quality in higher education, support labour mobility, improve recognition of qualifications, promote consistency, enhance academic and professional mobility, and improve transparency.

Mr Maele further said a strong economy required a diverse pool of skilled professionals, including technicians, architects and engineers to strengthen Botswana’s capacity to build, manufacture, innovate and compete globally.

He said the strategy was aligned with the ministry’s vision of transforming the education ecosystem to promote quality and lifelong learning.

The Minister noted that education was changing at an unprecedented pace as Artificial Intelligence, automation, digital transformation and innovation continued to reshape economies and redefine the future of work.

“New ideas are emerging while existing professions are evolving. Skills that were once relevant may no longer be sufficient. In this changing world, lifelong learning is no longer an option but a necessity,” he said.

He said qualifications alone were no longer enough, adding that graduates must also possess adaptability, creativity, ethical leadership, practical skills and a willingness to continuously learn.

The minister said the education system must be capable of driving the country’s desired future.

“Countries that invest wisely in education, research, innovation and skills development are best positioned to thrive. Botswana must be one of those. We must ensure that our education system does not merely award qualifications, but truly develops competence,” he said.

Speaking on the Norms and Standards, University of Botswana Professor Richie Moalosi said quality assurance was more than an educational exercise, describing it as a national commitment to excellence, accountability, continuous improvement and public confidence.

Prof. Moalosi said the BQA 2026–2030 Strategy and the Norms and Standards had been developed to provide a comprehensive and consistent approach to the recognition of institutions and awarding bodies.

He said the Higher Education Framework established the standards that universities, university colleges, higher education providers and awarding bodies must meet before they could be formally recognised.

“It outlines expectations relating to institutional governance, academic programmes, staff qualifications, research capacity, student support services, learning resources, quality management systems, financial sustainability, ethical practices and institutional integrity. Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of today’s launch is the formalisation of standards for the TVET sector,” he said.

Prof. Moalosi said government had identified Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a critical sector for reducing youth unemployment and driving economic transformation.

He said the standards recognised the unique nature of technical education and training.

“The focus is on ensuring that institutions are adequately equipped to deliver competency-based education and technical skills training that responds directly to industry needs,” he said. ENDS