We are pleased to announce that today, the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GIS PLAN, a leading consultancy firm specializing in urban, rural, and regional planning, as well as GIS, environmental management, eco-tourism, and more. This partnership marks the beginning of a dynamic collaboration aimed at fostering development and innovation in Botswana, SADC, and across Africa. The MoU sets a framework for both institutions to work together on a range of joint activities, from academic and business partnerships to research, technology, and capacity building. Key Areas of Cooperation Include: *Academic and business partnerships across SADC and Africa *Staff and student mobility programs *Joint research and development initiatives *Technology and innovation collaboration, including patent development *Creation of joint academic programs at all levels *Capacity building in human resources, technology, and infrastructure Additionally, we are excited to announce that this MoU will be supported by a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), which outlines specific initiatives, including: *Capacity building in the Industrial Hemp Agro-Industry *Collaborative research on industrial hemp applications *Joint seminars, conferences, and public lectures on industrial hemp *Development of academic programs in hemp agriculture and policy *Knowledge transfer and expertise development *Policy and regulatory framework development Professor Ketlhatlogile Mosepele, during the signing ceremony, emphasized that this partnership will not only enrich BUAN's academic and research capacity but will also create more opportunities for our graduates in both local and global job markets. Through this collaboration, we aim to significantly contribute to the growth of Botswana's agriculture and natural resource sectors, ultimately benefiting both BUAN graduates and the wider community. This partnership demonstrates our commitment to enhancing program delivery, advancing research, and increasing business growth opportunities for all involved. We look forward to a successful and impactful collaboration. #BUAN #GISPLAN #Partnerships #Research

In a compelling address at the Serowe District Full Council meeting, the  Vice-Chancellor of BUAN (Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources), Professor Ketlhatlogile Mosepele outlined a bold vision for the future—one focused on building sustainable partnerships that will foster lasting socio-economic development in Serowe District and across Botswana.   Central to Profesor Mosepele’s message was the belief that collaboration is essential to achieving the university's mission of improving the livelihoods of Batswana. “Our strategic focus is to engage with communities and foster partnerships that can drive sustainable growth. We believe these partnerships will be instrumental in advancing Botswana’s food and nutrition security, and we cannot do this alone,” Professor Mosepele said.   He emphasized that sustainability is at the core of BUAN’s mission, with their guiding principle—"Inspiring Sustainable Growth"—driving every initiative. BUAN’s commitment to becoming the center of the Green Economy in Botswana is not just about research but about creating practical, on-the-ground solutions that will have a meaningful impact on communities.   “We need partners, stakeholders, and communities to join us in building a self-sufficient and resilient future for Botswana,” the Chancellor added, calling for a shared commitment to work together for sustainable development.   Key areas of collaboration highlighted during the address included:  Sustainable Livestock Management: Leveraging BUAN’s expertise in animal health, genetics, and nutrition to improve livestock farming practices across the region.  Agro-Tourism: Developing vocational training programs to empower youth and adults, positioning agro-tourism as a viable growth sector. Climate Change Adaptation: Collaborating on strategies to address climate change, including the introduction of climate-resilient crops like Safflower, a high-value crop poised to transform local agriculture.  Youth Empowerment: Supporting young entrepreneurs through BUAN’s INCUHIVE program and the upcoming SECHABA program, offering mentorship and skills development for youth in agriculture and natural resources. SECHABA is an initiative focus on development of start-ups for out-of-school youth, and will be implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs. Youth will be assisted and mentored to develop Agriculture and Natural Resources start-ups for 3 – 12 months.   He concluded with a call to action: "We want to walk together, and by doing so, we will build a stronger, more sustainable Botswana for future generations." BUAN is eager to work alongside local and international partners to bring this vision to life.   #SustainableGrowth #Partnerships #GreenEconomy # #ClimateResilience

Over the years, community trusts in different parts of Botswana have been instrumental in representing the interests of local communities and implementing effective natural resource management. One key challenge these trusts have helped tackle is Human-Wildlife Conflict. Today, Professor Ketlhatlogile Mosepele and his expert team visited the Wild Cru Trust and Chobe Enclave Conservation Trust (CECT) in Kavimba and Kalepa Community Trust to explore potential areas for collaboration, as Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) looks to expand its impact. As BUAN, we aim to support sustainable agriculture and tourism development in the region. Our goal is to help preserve the natural resources, ecosystems, and biodiversity that make this area so attractive to tourists and conducive for farming. We believe in the power of collaboration to make this happen! Some exciting areas of collaboration include training and research which will lead to the development of climate-resilient agricultural and tourism practices that ensure the long-term viability of both industries, benefiting local communities and the environment alike. BUAN is also proud of its Agrivoltaic plant, the largest in Africa, which combines solar energy production with horticultural production on the same land. This is just one example of the advanced technologies we bring to the table to support infrastructure, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture. Climate change presents a significant challenge across Botswana, prompting enthusiasm among community trusts regarding the potential benefits of collaboration with BUAN. The Trusts anticipate that this partnership will facilitate the sharing of knowledge, promote sustainable land use, and enhance socio-economic development through innovative research initiatives tailored to their specific contexts. At BUAN, we are committed to being more than just an academic institution – we’re a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, agricultural development, and environmental stewardship.