12 Nov 2026

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) and the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) marks a major commitment to strengthening Botswana’s human capital and achieving national development goals.

Speaking at the signing ceremony on Tuesday, Minister of Higher Education, Mr Prince Maele emphasised the pivotal roles both institutions play where BQA maintained quality within the National Credit and Qualifications Framework, while HRDC focused on cross-sector human capital development. 

Minister Maele noted that their complementary functions were vital to aligning educational outputs with economic needs and closing the skill gap between graduates and job market requirements.

The minister highlighted the synergy between public bodies, stating that the partnership supported a coordinated public service under the leadership of President Advocate Duma Boko, promoting efficient resource sharing and collaboration during fiscal constraints.

Furthermore, Mr Maele noted that the partnership coincided with the formulation of the National Human Resource Development Strategy (2026-2036), which aimed to cultivate a workforce adaptable to technological advancements and economic diversification. 

He added that future initiatives, would focus on enhancing skills forecasting and employer engagement to ensure that education fostered critical thinking and entrepreneurship alongside immediate employment needs.

He emphasised that the ultimate success of the MoU rested on practical application and tangible benefits for citizens. 

Thus, he urged both institutions to look beyond mere formalities and deliver comprehensive solutions to interconnected challenges in education and manpower development.

BQA acting chief executive officer, Mr Ofentse Disang echoed the minister’s sentiments, noting that the agreement underscored the necessity of aligning qualifications and learning programmes directly with market demands identified by HRDC. 

Mr Disang added that developing globally competitive and competency-based qualifications informed by international occupational standards remained critical to bridging current systemic gaps.

Professor Alinah Segobye from HRDC, emphasised that unity and inter-agency collaboration were essential for building a just and equitable education system. 

Prof. Segobye noted that the commitment went beyond launching new projects as it built on foundational frameworks established over decades to achieve a knowledgeable society. ENDS