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The University of Botswana (UB) and Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) officially formalised a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a signing ceremony held at the UB Council Chamber on 10th of June 2026.

Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, signed on behalf of UB while DIS Director General, Brigadier Peter Magosi signed on behalf of his organisation.

In his welcoming remarks, Professor Norris described the signing of the MoU as a historic milestone that would unlock numerous opportunities for collaboration between the two institutions. He noted that as Botswana’s principal intelligence agency, the DIS played a critical role in safeguarding national security and maintaining the country’s reputation as one of the safest in the region.

Giving an overview of the agreement, Senior Lecturer, Dr Kebapetse Lotshwao, said the aim of the MoU was to enhance national security capabilities, advance research and innovation in strategic areas, develop critical and security-conscious human capital, strengthen evidence-based policy and strategic support as well as promote structured knowledge exchange between UB and DIS.

Dr Lotshwao emphasised that all information exchanged under the agreement would be handled with the highest standards of confidentiality and in strict compliance with the laws of Botswana, taking into account the sensitive operational nature of the DIS. He further assured stakeholders that intellectual property rights arising from collaborative activities would be safeguarded through specific agreements.

He expressed appreciation to all parties who contributed to the development of the MoU particularly Dr Batlang Seabo, whom he credited for spearheading the initiative.

For his part, Brigadier Magosi echoed the Vice Chancellor’s sentiments, describing the occasion as a landmark moment in the relationship between academia and intelligence community. He acknowledged the mistrust that had historically existed between intelligence institutions and academia but stressed that national security was a shared responsibility that requires cooperation among all stakeholders.

“When it comes to protecting the nation, every stakeholder has a role to play. If the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing, our collective efforts would be undermined,” he said.

The MoU establishes a structured and secure framework for knowledge exchange between UB and DIS. It is also expected to strengthen research, policy development and capacity-building in areas of national security particularly in response to evolving economic, political and technological developments.