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The University of Botswana (UB) is set to expand its regional partnerships following a courtesy visit by Mauritius’ Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Research, Hon. Kaviraj Sharma Sukon. The minister, accompanied by senior government officials from the Higher Education Commission and Mauritius Open University, met with UB Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, on the 11th of September 2025 to explore opportunities for collaboration in higher education, research and innovation.

Welcoming his guests, Professor Norris reflected on UB’s journey since its establishment and its evolving vision. He explained that the University had deliberately set out to strengthen ties with institutions across the African continent. Already, UB has forged partnerships with universities in Kenya, South Africa, Liberia and Nigeria. The Vice Chancellor said Mauritius presented the next step in this continental outreach.

Professor Norris noted that building such networks was part of UB’s strategic intent of transforming into an efficient and impactful institution driven by research and innovation. He added that UB’s efforts were beginning to bear fruit as reflected in its improved performance in the Times Higher Education (THE) global rankings. “We are motivated by the need to address societal challenges not just within Botswana but across the region,” he emphasised.

Responding, Hon. Sukon underscored the urgency of regional collaboration particularly in research. He argued that African universities could attract more funding if they presented a unified front rather than competing individually. “Pooling our strengths allows us to present a solid and coordinated approach to research funding,” he noted.

The Mauritian minister further proposed that such partnerships go beyond funding to include harmonised regulatory frameworks. He suggested that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) could be signed between the ministries of education in both countries, covering all universities in Mauritius. That, he explained, would simplify processes and enable UB to work seamlessly with institutions in his country.

Commissioner in Mauritius’ Higher Education Commission, Professor Romeela Hohee, elaborated on the scale of her country’s higher education sector. She said Mauritius has nine (9) public and 32 private universities enrolling about 40,000 students, representing a gross enrolment rate of 58 percent. The Botswana visit, she added, provided a timely opportunity to engage with local regulatory bodies to ensure that future collaborations between universities of both countries proceed without obstacles.

Both parties highlighted several areas of potential cooperation including climate change, food security and water management. They also identified mutual credit recognition systems, qualifications alignment, student and staff exchanges and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in teaching and learning as possible focal points for partnership.

Professor Norris welcomed these ideas, saying UB was eager to contribute to building a stronger regional knowledge network that not only advances research and innovation but also addressed the pressing challenges facing African societies.