The Pan Afrikanist

UB Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, the force behind the new strategy designed to transform UB into a high performance organisation

GABORONE, October 19, 2026 – The University of Botswana (UB) will confer qualifications on 4,059 graduands during its 44th Graduation Ceremonies, marking a significant increase in graduate output and a notable rise in doctoral graduates.

The graduation ceremonies will be held from October 21 to 23 at the UB Indoor Sports Centre, where students will receive doctoral, MPhil, master’s, bachelor’s degrees, diplomas and certificates.

The 2026 graduating class is 520 students larger than last year’s cohort of 3,539, representing a 14.7 per cent increase.

Among the graduates are 34 doctoral degree recipients, seven MPhil graduates, 306 master’s degree holders, 59 postgraduate diploma graduates and 3,653 students receiving bachelor’s degrees, diplomas and certificates.

UB said the graduands come from 22 countries, underscoring the institution’s growing international reach.

A standout feature of this year’s graduation is the increase in doctoral graduates. The university will award 34 PhDs compared to 22 in 2025, an increase of 12 doctoral graduates or 54.5 per cent.

UB said the rise reflects its efforts to strengthen research capacity, advance scholarship and generate knowledge that responds to national and regional development priorities.

The 2026 graduation is held under the theme, “Building High-Performance Economies: From Local Excellence to Global Impact”, which highlights the link between higher education, institutional performance and economic development.

The university noted that the growth in doctoral output aligns with broader continental efforts to expand research capacity and develop advanced expertise across Africa. It said universities have a critical role to play in producing high-level skills and research needed to address development challenges.

The graduation cohort also reflects the breadth of programmes offered by the university, ranging from undergraduate studies to postgraduate and professional qualifications aimed at developing specialised skills across multiple sectors.

The new UB Council members posing for a snapshot with the Minister of Higher Education, Prince Maele

UB said the increase in graduate output comes at a time when Botswana is pursuing economic diversification through initiatives such as the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP), with a focus on reducing dependence on diamond revenues and broadening the country’s economic base.

The university emphasised that higher education institutions are central to this process through the development of skilled professionals, research-driven solutions and innovation that can be applied across industry and society.

It added that its ongoing transformation into a High-Performance Organisation is intended to strengthen its delivery of quality teaching, impactful research, innovation and public service while preparing graduates for an increasingly knowledge-based economy.

Beyond the numbers, UB said the graduation ceremonies recognise years of academic dedication by students and the support provided by lecturers, staff, families and other stakeholders.

The university said graduates now carry the responsibility of applying their knowledge, skills and professional values to contribute to their communities and the country’s development.

While celebrating the Class of 2026, UB noted that the ultimate measure of success will be how the growing pool of graduates translates into research breakthroughs, innovation, productive employment and practical solutions to Botswana’s development challenges.

Fact Box: UB 44th Graduation by Numbers