UB Hosts Global Computing Education Conference to Advance Innovation and Inclusion in STEM
The University of Botswana (UB) has underscored the critical role of higher education in preparing students for a rapidly evolving digital world. This emerged at the opening of the ACM Global Computing Education Conference 2025 at the Phakalane Convention Centre recently.
Speaking at the event, UB Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, said the institution was committed to fostering curricula, laboratories and pedagogies that equipped students with critical thinking, creativity and ethical frameworks needed in a globally competitive knowledge society.
He described the conference as a pivotal moment for computing education in Africa and beyond, noting that hosting such a prestigious international gathering in Botswana provided an opportunity to showcase how education could meet Africa’s unique developmental needs while drawing inspiration from global standards.
The three-day conference brought together educators, researchers and industry professionals from around the world to exchange ideas, share innovations and discuss best practices in computing education.
A highlight of the conference was the keynote address by Captain Kgomotso Phatsima, founder of Dare to Dream, who shared her journey from a small village in Botswana to becoming one of the country’s first female military pilots. Speaking at the same venue, Captain Phatsima stressed the transformative power of education and the importance of creating opportunities for girls and young women in STEM fields.
Participants also engaged in sessions on student support, pre-university engagement in computing, curriculum design, cutting-edge research and computing for social good. Discussions explored artificial intelligence, block-based programming for early computational thinking and inclusive learning environments, reinforcing a shared commitment to innovation, accessibility and empowerment in computing education.
As the conference concluded, attendees left inspired to continue advancing collaboration, innovation and inclusion in the global computing education community, further cementing UB’s role as a hub of academic excellence and transformative knowledge.