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University of Botswana (UB) and Rheinland-Pfalzische Technische Universitat Kaiserslaughtern- Landau (RPTU) from Germany have signed a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen relations in areas of joint research projects, staff and students exchange as well as academic and cultural exchange.

The MoU was signed on the 27th of June 2024 at UB Council Chamber and Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris signed on behalf of UB while Co-President, Professor Gabriele Schaumann, signed on behalf of RPTU.

In his welcome remarks, Professor Norris said collaboration between UB, the Government, private sector and civil society had potential to improve research and innovation. He said collaboration between UB and the industry could contribute positively to the growth of the economy and society.

 He observed that UB had done well in research but lagged behind in value chain product development and commercialization. He added that UB was currently working towards transforming research work into product development. He indicated that the partnership between UB and RPTU would help in achieving the goals for both universities.

Acting Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Professor Fidelis Nkomazana, highlighted that the revised MoU would be expanded to include the faculty of humanities, social sciences, education and other areas of mutual agreement.  He said the MoU opened more opportunities for staff and students’ exchanges.

Professor Nkomazana said the previous MoU only allowed undergraduate students for exchange programmes while the revised MoU allowed graduate students as well as staff members for supervision.

He indicated that the exchange programme also aimed at enhancing mutual supervision resources, whereas the old MoU primarily focused on strengthening academic and cultural ties. He mentioned that the revised MoU sought to expand beyond joint research projects, workshops, conferences and publications.

Research areas that have been identified, said Professor Nkomazana, included environmental science, political science and education.

In response, RPTU Co-President Professor Gabriele Schaumann expressed high appreciation for the partnership between the two universities. She observed that both institutions had long enjoyed a fruitful and valuable collaboration that had grown and thrived despite numerous challenges.

Professor Schaumann said UPTU was the second largest university in the south-west of Germany. On the other hand, she noted that UB had an interesting profile hence the need to forge a partnership in areas of environmental science, educational sciences and humanities. She said the collaboration would expand to areas such as artificial intelligence and research projects.