Gaborone, Botswana — December 3, 2025 The Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) is accelerating its transformation into a globally recognized institution, Vice Chancellor Professor Ketlhatlogile Mosepele declared at the annual Vice Chancellor’s Dinner held at Travelodge.

Addressing ministers, university leaders, development partners, and distinguished guests, Professor Mosepele reflected on BUAN’s journey from its founding in 1967 as a College of Agriculture to its current mandate as a specialized university of agriculture and natural resources.

“In essence, BUAN is still transforming a College into a University,” he said, emphasizing the institution’s critical role in supporting rural livelihoods, particularly for youth and women.

The Vice Chancellor outlined BUAN’s operational philosophy, which aligns with Botswana’s Vision 2036, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and the Ministry of Higher Education’s strategy.

Four themes define the university’s identity: becoming research-intensive, upholding academic excellence, ensuring institutional sustainability, and strengthening agile operations.

Professor Mosepele highlighted BUAN’s strides toward global recognition, including collaboration with Times Higher Education sustainability rankings and the recruitment of adjunct academics from every continent.

He also underscored BUAN’s entrepreneurial drive, citing its private company with a market capitalization of USD $7.4 million, which operates one of Africa’s largest agrivoltaic plants, a water purification facility, and youth entrepreneurship programs.

Calling for deliberate and intentional partnerships, he urged African universities to embrace collaboration as the pathway to impact.

“If we want to succeed, if we want to grow, if we want to be impactful, collaboration is the only pathway forward,” he said, referencing the Malabo Declaration, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and SDG 17 on partnerships.

In closing, Professor Mosepele invited colleagues to explore bilateral and multilateral agreements in joint academic programming, staff and student mobility, shared research infrastructure, and postgraduate co-supervision.

“Let us optimise the utility of the RUFORUM network for mutual benefit. Africa depends on us,” he concluded.