News Date : 17 July, 2026
BUAN SECURES BADEA GRANT TO STRENGTHEN TVET EDUCATION
The Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) has achieved a major milestone in its mission to strengthen skills development and agricultural education following the signing of the first phase of a grant from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA). The funding will support the implementation of the University’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Programme, a strategic initiative aimed at equipping Batswana with practical, industry-relevant skills to contribute to national development.
The partnership between BUAN and BADEA was initiated during the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) Conference hosted by BUAN in December 2025. The conference provided an opportunity for BUAN leadership to engage with representatives from BADEA on areas of mutual interest, particularly in advancing agricultural education, innovation and capacity building across Africa.
Following these engagements, BADEA invited BUAN to submit a proposal outlining projects that could benefit from financial support. The University developed and submitted a proposal centred on expanding technical and vocational education to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the agricultural sector. After a rigorous evaluation process, the proposal was approved, resulting in BADEA awarding the University a grant to be implemented in phases.
As part of their visit to Botswana, a BADEA delegation paid a courtesy call on BUAN, where they were welcomed by the University’s leadership. During the visit, the delegation toured BUAN’s Solar Plant, one of the University’s flagship sustainability initiatives. The tour provided an opportunity for the delegation to appreciate the University’s commitment to renewable energy, innovation and environmentally sustainable development, while also gaining a broader understanding of BUAN’s infrastructure and ongoing transformation agenda.
The first phase of the grant was officially signed by the Ministry of Finance in the presence of the BUAN Council Chairperson, Vice Chancellor Professor Ketlhatlogile Mosepele, members of the University’s Executive Management, officials from BADEA and other key stakeholders. The signing marks the commencement of the implementation phase of the TVET Programme and reinforces the confidence that international development partners continue to place in BUAN’s strategic vision.
Through this funding, BUAN will establish and operationalise four TVET centres across Botswana. The centres will provide accessible, high-quality technical and vocational education designed to equip young people with practical competencies aligned with the country’s development priorities and labour market needs. The programme is expected to produce graduates with hands-on skills capable of supporting Botswana’s agricultural transformation, food security and economic diversification efforts.
The University anticipates welcoming its inaugural TVET student intake in January 2027, marking the beginning of a new chapter in expanding opportunities for skills-based education and lifelong learning.
The successful partnership highlights the importance of collaboration between institutions of higher learning and international development partners in addressing Africa’s skills and development challenges. It also demonstrates the value of platforms such as the RUFORUM Conference in creating meaningful partnerships that translate dialogue into tangible investments with lasting impact.
Speaking on the significance of the milestone, BUAN leadership expressed appreciation to BADEA, the Ministry of Finance and RUFORUM for their continued support and confidence in the University’s vision. The partnership is expected to strengthen BUAN’s contribution to national and regional development by expanding access to quality technical and vocational education while promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable agricultural development.
As implementation of the project begins, BUAN remains committed to delivering transformative education and training programmes that respond to the evolving needs of Botswana and the African continent.