NUST Delegation Visits UB for SASSCAL Task 303 Collaboration to Strengthen Regional Ties
The University of Botswana (UB) welcomed a delegation from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) for a courtesy visit aimed at enhancing collaboration under the SASSCAL Task 303 initiative on 6th November 2025. The visit served as a platform for strengthening regional ties between the two institutions, fostering partnerships in research, innovation and climate-related capacity building. The engagement underscored both universities shared commitment to advancing sustainable development and scientific cooperation within the southern African region.
In welcoming the delegation, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Professor Doreen Ramogola-Masire, emphasised the value of regional partnerships in advancing research, innovation and sustainable development across southern Africa.
SASSCAL Task 303 Project Principal Investigator, Mr Frikkie Louw, gave an overview of their courtesy visit, highlighting that it was aimed at reviewing progress made under the SASSCAL Task 303 initiative, strengthening institutional partnerships and identifying new areas of collaboration between NUST and UB. He commended the ongoing efforts of both teams in advancing research and innovation focused on climate resilience and sustainable development, noting that such collaborations were vital in addressing regional environmental challenges and promoting scientific excellence.
The NUST team, that serves as the Principal Investigators (PIs) for the SASSCAL project, visited the UB as part of their efforts to evaluate the programme’s progress and strengthen collaboration between the two institutions. That provided an opportunity to assess briefly the milestones achieved under the project, discuss challenges encountered during implementation and share insights on best practices in research and innovation. Both universities engaged in a productive discussion aimed at enhancing cooperation in areas such as sustainable development of the project at hand.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of building research capacity and fostering knowledge exchange to support regional growth and resilience. Through the engagement, the two institutions reaffirmed their commitment to working together under the SASSCAL framework to continue advancing scientific collaboration and contributing meaningfully to addressing pressing environmental and socio-economic issues within Southern Africa.