Speaking today at the signing of the MOU with Botswana Vaccine Institute, BUAN Vice Chancellor Professor Ketlhatlogile Mosepele said that the fact that BVI believes that the key to unlocking the vast potential in the Livestock sector is through the prevention of diseases that hamper the optimum growth of this sector for the benefit of Batswana. It means that, BUAN and BVI are indeed perfectly aligned. He said that, it is only fitting therefore, that BUAN and BVI should leverage on each other’s relative strengths, for the benefit of Batswana. BVI has expertise in Manufacturing and Commercialisation of animal vaccines. BUAN is well endowed with Research and Development resources. BUAN has the highest number of veterinarians with PhD degrees in Botswana. Therefore, a collaboration between the two should and will facilitate a significant growth in vaccine development within Botswana’s Livestock sector. BUAN has considerable expertise in Livestock diseases. Therefore, this MoU will facilitate BVI’s access to this repository of knowledge for the benefit of Botswana’s cattle industry.   To add-on to what Prof. Mosepele said, Mr Andrew Madeswi the Chief Executive Officer of BVI said that there is a Natural alignment of the two bodies that are crucial towards shaping the agricultural future of Botswana, through Innovation and Research and Development on animal health. He said that in the current fast paced evolving world of animal health, it is highly imperative thay institutions such as BUAN and BVI collaborate to find ways to partner to optimize capacity and mobilize recourses for the growth of the sector.   The Duo’s intend to collaborate on a pre-agreed basis, in order to benefit their respective research and teaching activities, and to further the internationalisation of both institutions.  The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is to establish a framework within which co-operation may develop between the two institutions. Co-operation between the two institutions may include such activities as:  • Exchanges of staff; • Hosting students as Interns or research scholars • Joint research activities, including seminars, conferences and public lectures; • Exchange of publications, academic materials and other information; • Teaching and supervision of graduate students. Specific programmes or activities will be undertaken under this MoU only after a written agreement has been concluded by the institutions.

On 16th November 2023 Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Coca Cola beverages signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the donation of water from the water treatment plant of Coca Cola Beverages Botswana for use at BUAN. Speaking on behalf of the University, Vice Chancellor Professor Ketlhatlogile Mosepele said that the objectives of the MoU are to foster water stewardship where water is treated as a critical resource at the heart of operations and as a shared resource with various stakeholders.    Coca Cola beverages General Manager Mr David Chait stated that the water will be coming  from Coca Cola’s new wastewater treatment plant which allows the company to return clean water to the environment. This paradigm shift is essential to drive long-term sustainable change and where possible, the newly constructed facilities tend to use local suppliers, including the large water tanks and the water reticulation machinery.   Another key objective mentioned by Prof. Mosepele is to assume the leadership role of convener, partners and advocate for change as the two parties recognize that water security cannot be achieved in isolation.  He reiterated that the MoU focuses on accelerating actions to increase water security where both Institutions operate, at all levels.    The duo will develop localized solutions and prioritize actions where needed. These include innovative approaches to regenerative water use, prioritization of replenishment interventions, and holistic approaches to water-based health.   Mr David Chait said that the MOU  signed with the university today is an example of how Coca Cola puts its water strategy into practice, replenishing water and giving it back. Adding that “Profitability is important, but so is doing business the right way by growing with a conscience” .  In his concluding remarks, Prof. Mosepele said that The MOU is  a testament of BUAN and Coca Cola beverages’commitment to water security and sustainability.

BUAN meets with delegates from France   The Inspector General from France Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Forestry, Mr Herve Lejeune and delegates from CIRAD-Agricultural Research Center for International Development visited Botswana Ministry of Agriculture on a mission on the 8th-15thNovember 2023   During their  visit they also had a meeting with BUAN management led by His Excellency the Ambassador to Botswana Olivier Brochenin to explore areas of collaboration and they will return to solidify their partnership with BUAN.