The Pan Afrikanist

Gaborone, Botswana — The University of Botswana (UB) proudly announces its continued presence in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) World University Ranking for 2025.

Of over 29,000 universities worldwide, only 2,092 were assessed as meeting the criteria for inclusion in these rankings. UB maintained its position at the apex of Botswana’s higher education system and is ranked in the 1201-1500 band globally.

This global ranking places UB in the top two-thirds of universities worldwide that have been ranked, a commendable achievement given the intense international competition.

A significant highlight is the performance of research quality, which has continued to improve over the last five years. The Times Higher rankings have also recognised the international impact of the University as an area in which UB excels.

Despite the increasing competition among the world’s top universities, UB has continued to improve its performance.

This achievement further underscores UB’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and its strategic focus on enhancing the quality of education and research.

The University’s consistent performance in the global rankings is a testament to the dedication and hard work of its faculty, staff, and students.

The University of Botswana’s ranking in the African continent is praiseworthy. Ranked 45th out of 135 universities in Africa and 19th out of 55 in sub-Saharan Africa, it highlights the institution’s essential role and growing regional and continental reputation for academic excellence.

This performance is more impressive because UB competes with universities from more populous countries like South Africa, Nigeria, Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt, which have comparatively more developed university systems.

In Southern Central and East Africa (excluding South Africa), UB is ranked higher than all the universities in Ethiopia, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.

UB holds its own in West Africa, with the top universities in Ghana and Nigeria. In South Africa, UB is competitive with mid-level universities and is moving in the right direction to join the top-tier universities in the future.

In the context of sub-Saharan Africa, these rankings place the University of Botswana among the top institutions in the region, showcasing its role as a leading centre for higher education and research.

A significant highlight of UB’s performance in the Times Higher Education 2025 rankings is the recognition of the international quality of our academic subjects. The Times ranks universities in eleven broad subject categories, and UB has gained global recognition in five of these.

Clinical and Health: UB has achieved continued recognition in this category,

maintaining its position in the 501-600 band, underscoring our commitment to advancing medical and health sciences education and research.

Physical Sciences: UB’s consistent ranking in this field, remaining in the 1001+ band, highlights the strength of its programmes and research in physical sciences.

Social Sciences: UB’s ongoing recognition in the social sciences, ranked in the 801-1000 band, reflects the quality and impact of its academic programmes and research.

Life Sciences: Newly recognised in this category, UB has demonstrated significant progress and achievements in life sciences education and research, securing a position in the 601-800 band.

Business and Economics: First-time recognition for UB in this category, ranked in the 801+ band, demonstrating the quality of UB’s business and economics programmes and the impactful research conducted by its faculty.

Statements from Faculty, Students and the Vice Chancellor

Professor Moffat Setshogo, Ag. Dean of the Faculty of Science: “Our inclusion in the Life Sciences ranking for the first time and our consistent ranking in Physical Sciences is remarkable. It reflects our commitment to comprehensively advancing sciences in the University of Botswana which ultimately benefits the development of our nation.”

Professor Patricia Kefilwe Mogomotsi, a senior academic in the Department of Economics: “Being recognised in the Economics category for the first time is a testament to the quality of our programmes and the impactful research conducted by our faculty. We are dedicated to preparing our students to be leaders in the global economy.”

Dr James Kanyepe, a senior academic in the Faculty of Business: “I am immensely proud of the inclusion of Business for the first time in the prestigious Times Higher World University rankings; this is a testament to the quality and impact of our Business programmes and research and equipping our students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and succeed in an ever-evolving business landscape.”

Ms Kesego Makholwa, a PhD student in Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science): “Being part of a globally recognised University is incredibly motivating. The new ranking in Life Sciences makes me proud to be a UB student, inspiring me to contribute to our University’s success through my studies and research.”

Bofelo Moffat Peleng, a first-year student in the Faculty of Business, said, “Being part of a University that consistently ranks globally is incredibly inspiring. The diverse range of subjects and the emphasis on innovation make me feel confident that I’m receiving a top-notch education. The collaborative spirit here is amazing, and I can’t wait to see what the next few years bring!”

Professor David Norris, the Vice-Chancellor, said, “Our ongoing presence in the Times Higher Education Global Ranking underscores our dedication to cultivating an environment of academic excellence and innovation.

“Our performance in Africa and, particularly, sub-Saharan Africa, is outstanding. Adding two new subject areas to our rankings showcases the extensive range and depth of our academic programmes and research initiatives.

“Securing our position in the global rankings and gaining international recognition in five of eleven possible subject areas is remarkable. It reflects the robustness of our academic programmes and the collaborative efforts of our faculty and students.

“Overall, these rankings are a testament to the hard work of the university’s administration, faculty, and students. They also highlight the potential for further growth and development, positioning the University of Botswana as a key player in Africa and the global academic landscape”.

About the University of Botswana:

The University of Botswana is a leading institution of higher learning in Botswana, committed to providing quality education, research, and service to the nation and beyond. The University seeks to improve economic and social conditions for advancing itself as a distinctively African university with regional and international outlook.