The Secretariat of the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) concluded a week-long visit to Botswana from 28th April to 3rd May 2025, as part of preparatory efforts for the upcoming RUFORUM Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled to take place in Gaborone from 1st to 5th December 2025. This high-level visit aimed to engage key national stakeholders and outline expectations for Botswana as the host country of one of Africa’s premier higher education and agricultural research events.

 

RUFORUM, established in 2004 by ten Vice Chancellors, is a consortium of African universities committed to enhancing the quality and relevance of higher education and research in agriculture and related fields. As of December 2022, the network had grown to include 170 member universities in 40 countries across the continent. The organisation is registered as an international NGO in Uganda, with its Secretariat based at Makerere University in Kampala.

 

Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN), a long-standing member of the RUFORUM network, successfully spearheaded the country’s bid to host the 2025 AGM. The event will bring together university leaders, researchers, policymakers, development partners, and students from across Africa to share innovations, best practices, and strategies to transform agriculture and rural livelihoods.

 

During the visit, the RUFORUM Secretariat held consultative meetings with government officials, academic leaders, and representatives of development agencies. These engagements served to communicate the goals of the upcoming conference, define coordination frameworks, and reinforce Botswana’s critical role as a host nation.

The RUFORUM AGM is not just an academic event; it is a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and forging partnerships that advance Africa’s agricultural agenda, thus all stakeholders need to be at par inorder to host a memorable event. The Secretariat also emphasized the importance of national-level coordination, logistical planning, and stakeholder engagement to ensure a successful and impactful event in December.

 

Botswana’s selection to host RUFORUM 2025 is a testament to its growing reputation as a leader in agricultural education and innovation. The country now stands poised to welcome delegates from across the continent for what promises to be a landmark gathering.

 

As preparations continue, the RUFORUM Secretariat and the Government of Botswana will work hand in hand to deliver a conference that reflects Africa’s shared aspirations for a resilient, food-secure, and knowledge-driven future