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The University of Botswana (UB) continued to strengthen its international academic partnerships by hosting the Second UB JICA Chair Lecture Series, reaffirming its commitment to global collaboration and knowledge exchange. Held on the 10th of March 2025 at the UB Conference Centre, the event brought together scholars, policymakers and industry leaders to engage in thought-provoking discussions on industrialisation and economic development.

Under the theme “Importance of Skills Spirit for Industrialisation,” the lecture was delivered by Professor Motoki Takahashi from the Graduate School of Asian and African Area Studies at Kyoto University. The session provided valuable insights into Japan’s modernisation journey and its relevance for Botswana’s industrial growth.

Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Richard Tabulawa, highlighted the significance of UB’s partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), noting that UB was the second institution in Africa to host the JICA Chair. He explained that UB’s swift commitment to the initiative aligned with the University’s 2020-2029 Strategic Plan which envisioned UB as a “Distinctive Centre of Academic Excellence” in Botswana, Africa and beyond.

“This partnership underscores UB’s dedication to internationalisation, collaboration and networking with like-minded institutions of higher learning, industries, and key stakeholders,” said Professor Tabulawa. He further expressed confidence that the UB JICA Chair initiative would enhance academic diversity and contribute to the University’s global reputation.

Japanese Ambassador to Botswana, His Excellency Yusuke Shido, reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting the development of its partner countries. He noted that the JICA Chair served as a platform for sharing Japan’s expertise and lessons learned from overcoming industrial challenges.

“Japan’s experience in navigating adversities in technology, innovation and sustainable development could provide valuable insights for Botswana’s continued economic progress,” said Ambassador Shido.

Professor Takahashi’s lecture explored the concept of Skills Spirit and its role in Japan’s industrial transformation. He pointed out that Africa, including Botswana, faces a ‘missing middle’ in its economic structure, an underdeveloped manufacturing sector. By contrast, Japan’s success story was largely built on sustained investment in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) particularly those led by skilled craftsmen.

Japan’s industrialisation, according to Professor Takahashi, was not an overnight achievement but a result of deliberate efforts in education and skills development. He highlighted Japan’s strategy of sending students abroad for advanced education which ultimately strengthened the country’s human capital and fuelled its economic expansion.

“It was through continuous support for SMEs and the modernisation of craftsmanship with technological advancements that Japan saw rapid industrial growth, particularly in sectors like automotive manufacturing,” he explained.

Drawing parallels with Botswana, Professor Takahashi suggested that the country could leverage its untapped pool of skilled artisans to build a robust industrial sector. He noted that Botswana’s informal sector is filled with micro-inventors whose potential remains largely unrecognized, much like Japan’s industrial pioneers in earlier decades.