Confucious Institute at the University of Botswana (CIUB) was developed within the context of expanded bilateral cooperation between Botswana and China. The decision to establish CIUB was also a result of the 2006 University Council approval of the policy on Internationalization, and the policy commits itself to developing ‘strategic partnerships with higher education institutions in selected major Asian countries, including China”. As a consequence the Memorandum of Agreement between the University of Botswana and the partner university, Shanghai Normal University (SHNU), was signed in May 2008.

The mandate for CIUB and all Confucius institutes globally is to:

• Develop and facilitate the teaching of Chinese language and culture;
• Promote educational and cultural exchange and cooperation between China and other international communities;
• Adhere to the principles of mutual respect, friendly negotiations, and mutual benefit.