14 Sep 2026

Government is committed to creating opportunities and opening doors for citizens by placing citizen empowerment, youth inclusion, and enterprise development at the heart of its transformation agenda through supportive agencies like Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) and Local Enterprise Authority (LEA).

Therefore, President Advocate Duma Boko challenged the 410 Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) students who graduated across various science, engineering, and technology fields to shift their mindsets from merely seeking jobs to actively creating them. 

President Boko spoke in his capacity as chancellor at the BIUST 11th graduation ceremony in Palapye on September 11, highlighted that a degree's ultimate value was in a graduate's capacity to build meaningful opportunities for others.

"The greatest legacy of a successful entrepreneur is the number of lives that become more secure, dignified, and hopeful because that enterprise thrives," he said, positioning BIUST graduates at the critical intersection of invention and impact.

He said some of the graduates would continue their studies or pursue careers beyond the borders while others would build international businesses, confident Botswana did not fear citizens who went out into the world to pursue international business or continued their studies, provided they carried the nation’s reputation for integrity and the spirit of Botho with them, shared their knowledge to open doors for others, and eventually brought home valuable expertise to help build the nation.

BIUST has an important role in that future, and the government remains committed to strengthening the partnerships between universities, industry and the private sector so that knowledge can become innovation, innovation enterprise, and enterprise prosperity, President Boko said.

He challenged the Class of 2026 to use their skills to transform Botswana into a global leader in the knowledge economy, declaring that the nation stood at a critical socioeconomic crossroads.

While the diamond industry has historically anchored Botswana's schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, the global economic landscape is shifting rapidly and with declining diamond revenues placing pressure on public finances, President Boko stressed that gratitude for past successes must not give way to complacency.

"The world is changing rapidly. Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries. Advanced manufacturing is reshaping production. Digital platforms are changing commerce," he stated, adding that these circumstances were challenging, but also presented opportunities and the government had made a choice to lead.

The institution was hailed as a strategic national asset and an engine of innovation, as demonstrated by the successful launch of the country's satellite, BOTSAT-1, an undeniable proof of Botswana’s technological ambition. 

"Our future prosperity must be built on many engines. Your education has prepared you to redesign the economy. That is both your responsibility and your opportunity," said President Boko.

BIUST acting vice chancellor, Professor Elisha Shemang, urged the new cohort of scientists, engineers, and tech pioneers to use their knowledge to solve pressing local and global challenges. 

Emphasising that Botswana needs their energy, ideas, and integrity, he challenged the graduates to embrace failure as a stepping stone, build inclusive systems and create enterprises that offer dignified work. 

He called on the graduates to be worthy global ambassadors of the BIUST name.

The Minister of Higher Education, Mr Prince Maele, reminded the Class of 2026 that their education was the beginning of their responsibility to the nation, highlighting the collective sacrifices of parents, families, and lecturers. ENDS