News

The Botswana Defence Force (BDF) is seeking to deepen its long-standing partnership with the University of Botswana (UB) by expanding collaboration in research, innovation and advanced human capital development to strengthen the country's defence capability.

This emerged during a courtesy visit by the Commander of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), General Churchill Mpho Mophuthing, to the University on the 30th of July 2026.

He acknowledged the University's contribution to the professional development of BDF personnel through programmes offered by the Department of Political Science and Public Administration particularly in defence and strategic management. General Mophuthing said while the BDF and UB had worked together for many years in training personnel through diploma and master's programmes, the partnership was now poised to move to a higher level.

Looking further ahead, the Commander said the BDF intends to increase the number of its officers with doctoral qualifications as part of preparations to establish a National Defence College, modelled on similar institutions in countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe and Tanzania.

"We already have a solid foundation with the University of Botswana. The next step is to build the academic capacity that will enable us to realise our long-term vision of establishing a National Defence College," he said.

The Commander noted that the changing character of warfare demands greater investment in science, technology and research, making universities indispensable strategic partners.  He identified cybersecurity, robotics, logistics information management systems, artificial intelligence and defence research as priority areas where the BDF could collaborate with UB to develop home-grown solutions to Botswana's security challenges.

General Mophuthing also proposed closer collaboration between the BDF's Directorate of Research and Development and the University's researchers to accelerate innovation and reduce dependence on imported technologies.

Thus, he highlighted previous successful collaborations between the two institutions. He cited UB's successful development of canisters for the Botswana 50 Roving Torch Relay as evidence of the University's capacity to provide practical, locally developed solutions.

Recognising prevailing budgetary constraints, he further proposed greater utilisation of UB's facilities including accommodation and teaching infrastructure during academic recess, to support the training of BDF personnel in a cost-effective manner while strengthening institutional collaboration.

Receiving the delegation, Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, welcomed the Commander's vision, reaffirming the University's commitment to supporting national development through impactful research, innovation and strategic partnerships. Professor Norris said UB was transforming into a research-intensive institution focused on producing knowledge that addressed societal challenges, drives economic growth and develops home-grown solutions.

The Vice Chancellor said the University possessed expertise in emerging fields such as robotics and cybersecurity and stood ready to support the BDF's research agenda and its plans to expand doctoral training.

"If we work in isolation, our impact will always be limited. By combining our strengths, we can develop solutions that benefit the Botswana Defence Force, strengthen national security and contribute meaningfully to the country's development," said Professor Norris.

Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, Professor Maria Nnyepi, said the engagement reaffirmed the two institutions' shared commitment to human capital development and demonstrated how strategic partnerships could translate visionary leadership into lasting national impact.