News

University of Botswana (UB) and Botswana Exporters and Manufacturers Association (BEMA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on August 11, 2022 to foster collaborations to enhance service delivery and knowledge export.

Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, signed on behalf of UB while BEMA Chief Executive Officer, Ms Mmantlha Sankoloba signed on behalf of his institution.

BEMA addresses issues related to the manufacturing and export in Botswana through empowering members by providing network, trade opportunities and facilitation. It aims at assisting its members to be more competitive both in the local and international markets.

Welcoming guests, UB Stakeholder Relations Manager, Professor Jean Delport, said UB had accumulated huge content on learning programmes, qualifications and custom research that could be exported.

“UB can make Botswana a net exporter of knowledge and qualifications in the SADC region and beyond to those in need of such,” said Professor Delport.

He said UB would assist BEMA to develop content and programmes that would foster manufacturing in knowledge intensive areas while BEMA could offer UB assistance on packaging and exporting knowledge and research to other parts of the world.

Meanwhile, Professor Norris said new UB strategy sought to play a key role in economic activities, strategic development of the knowledge economy and enhancing trade in Botswana.

He added that UB’s position on this mission was already bearing fruit, marked by small scale production of biodiesel and prototypes.

In response, Ms Sankoloba commended UB for maintaining high standards and offering quality education and research that was impactful to society. She also viewed UB as BEMA’s strategic partner in exporting services to world hence the signing of MOU.