According to Botswana's Minister of Higher Education, Prince Maele, the country's future economic growth and innovation rely on strong collaboration between the education sector and industries.
While speaking at the launch of the 2025 Tertiary Institutions National Roadshow in Gaborone, Maele highlighted collaboration as a key element in equipping students to meet the challenges of a fast-changing job market.
He said that such partnerships are vital for driving innovation, enhancing education quality, and ensuring students develop the skills needed to succeed in the highly competitive global economy.
As Botswana moves towards a knowledge-based economy, Maele underscored the importance of stronger cooperation between both public and private educational institutions and the industries that will eventually employ graduates, Botswana Daily News reports.
He stated that through unified efforts, Botswana could improve the quality and relevance of its education system, paving the way for a more innovative and economically vibrant future for all citizens.
In addition, he noted that fostering partnerships between academia and industry would create a more dynamic and relevant learning environment.
“When education and industry work together, we create a powerful synergy that benefits both students and employers. Students receive a more practical, hands-on education, while industries gain access to a workforce that is better equipped to meet their evolving needs,” Maele said.
He added that by building strong links between educational institutions and industries, Botswana could better equip young people with the technical skills that are in high demand across sectors like manufacturing, technology, and services.
He pointed to countries like Germany and Singapore, which have made significant investments in education-industry collaborations, as successful examples of how such partnerships can reduce unemployment, boost productivity, and create a more competitive workforce.
“Botswana is now looking to these models as a blueprint for its own educational transformation,” he said.
He also highlighted that collaboration in education goes beyond aligning curricula with industry needs, as it also involves creating pathways for innovation.
“By bringing together diverse stakeholders, including government, educational institutions, private companies, and international partners, Botswana can foster a culture of innovation that will drive economic growth and improve the lives of its citizens,” he said.
“Education is not just about producing graduates; it’s about producing innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders who will drive the economy forward,” he added.