The 21st Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) Annual General Meeting officially concluded in Gaborone on 4th December 2025, closing four days of intensive dialogue, collaboration, and strategic engagement aimed at strengthening higher education systems and accelerating agri-food transformation across the African continent. Hosted in partnership with the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN), the AGM brought together 1,112 delegates from 45 countries, among them government representatives, ministers, university leaders, researchers, development partners, and industry stakeholders.
Delivering the keynote closing address, the Minister of Higher Education, Hon. Prince Maele, commended delegates for their “energy, ideas, and commitment,” noting that the discussions held throughout the AGM demonstrated Africa’s determination to reposition its universities at the centre of sustainable development. He emphasized that the conversations were “honest and brave,” affirming a shared continental resolve to improve the quality, relevance, and impact of higher education. Hon. Maele underscored the urgent need for transformative education models aligned with the demands of the modern labour market and driven by digital innovation, research excellence, strong governance, and inclusivity.
The Minister highlighted several priorities that emerged from the session, including the need to adopt fourth-generation university models that integrate teaching, research, entrepreneurship, and community engagement; strengthen digital transformation and invest in emerging technologies; enhance quality assurance systems; diversify funding; and align university programs more closely with national development goals and RUFORUM’s broader vision for Africa. He called on institutions such as BUAN, the University of Botswana, BIUST, and all RUFORUM members to “put into action” the insights gained during the meeting and to build stronger collaborations that accelerate research impact and prepare youth for a rapidly changing world.
Hon. Maele also highlighted Africa’s demographic advantage, noting that with 60% of its population under 25, the continent is at a historic turning point. He urged universities and governments to seize this opportunity through deliberate investments in higher education, research, innovation, and youth empowerment. He thanked RUFORUM for choosing Botswana as the host country and expressed his admiration for the unity and purpose demonstrated by delegates, describing them as “people who want a better Africa.” He concluded by officially declaring the AGM closed and wishing all participants safe travels.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee and BUAN representative, Professor Samodimo Ngwako, presented a comprehensive report summarizing the deliberations and outcomes of the AGM. He noted that the meeting provided a critical platform for examining how African universities can contribute more effectively to the continent’s development agenda. Professor Ngwako reported that the AGM focused extensively on transformative education, investment in research and innovation, agri-food systems development, strategic partnerships, inclusion, and institutional sustainability.
He highlighted the unprecedented participation recorded this year, including 791 international visitors and 305 participants from Botswana, and acknowledged the presence of 85 Vice Chancellors and Deputy Vice Chancellors among the delegates. Professor Ngwako emphasized that the Pre-AGM sessions featuring capacity-building workshops, scholarly writing training, resource mobilization seminars, and a youth-focused hackathon demonstrated the region’s commitment to unlocking Africa’s potential by strengthening both institutional and entrepreneurial capacities.
According to Professor Ngwako’s report, delegates stressed the need for African universities to respond effectively to technological advancements, climate challenges, and the evolving demands of the global workforce. They also called for stronger industry-academia linkages, improved resource mobilization frameworks, enhanced gender and youth inclusion, and broader regional and continental collaboration to drive innovation and address food security challenges.
In closing his report, Professor Ngwako expressed gratitude on behalf of the Local Organising Committee to all delegates, partners, sponsors, government stakeholders, and volunteers who contributed to the successful delivery of the AGM. He noted that BUAN was honoured to have co-hosted the event and affirmed the university’s commitment to advancing RUFORUM’s vision. He concluded with well-wishes for delegates’ safe return journeys and encouraged them to sustain the partnerships and networks established during the meeting.
The 21st RUFORUM Annual General Meeting leaves behind a strengthened commitment among African universities, governments, and development partners to collaboratively shape a higher education sector that is innovative, inclusive, resilient, and capable of driving Africa’s agricultural and economic transformation. Preparations now turn toward the next AGM, scheduled to take place in Zambia in 2026.