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Twenty (20) years ago, the University of Botswana (UB) and a German university, Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU), embarked on a student exchange programme with a shared vision of academic collaboration. Today, that vision has evolved into one of UB's longest-standing international partnerships, strengthening student mobility, research collaboration and global engagement between Botswana and Germany.

The milestone was commemorated in Germany during the 20th Anniversary Jubilee Ceremony of the Government of Botswana and German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)-funded International Study and Training Partnerships (ISAP) Exchange Programme, held at RPTU from the 15th to 19th of June 2026. The celebrations brought together university leaders, academics, students and representatives of DAAD to reflect on the achievements of a partnership that has flourished since its inception in 2005.

The University of Botswana delegation was led by Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris and comprised Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Professor Thapelo Otlogetswe, Director of the Okavango Research Institute (ORI), Dr Mpaphi Bonyongo and Manager of International Partnerships, Mr Tebogo Magetse. The ceremony was also attended by DAAD Secretary General, Mr Kai Sicks, together with senior leaders and faculty from RPTU.

Originally established as a student exchange programme in English Studies between UB and the then Technische Universität Kaiserslautern, the partnership has grown into one of the University's longest standing and most successful international collaborations. Supported by DAAD, it has facilitated more than 100 student exchanges over the past 20 years, providing students from both institutions with invaluable international learning experiences while strengthening academic and cultural ties between Botswana and Germany.

Addressing the anniversary celebrations, Professor Norris described the partnership as a demonstration to the enduring value of international collaboration in higher education.

"A partnership of this depth and duration is not merely to be celebrated, it is to be actively nurtured, deepened and extended into new areas of academic endeavour," he said.

He further emphasised the importance of expanding collaboration beyond its traditional focus on English Studies to include curriculum innovation, digital learning, interdisciplinary research and academic exchange that responds to emerging global challenges.

The partnership continues to create opportunities for both students and academics. During the anniversary celebrations, three (3) UB students - Angela Mmapaseka Kgolane, Gabaikanngwe Beauty Magogoba and Gloria Masala - were undertaking their studies at RPTU as members of the 2026 ISAP cohort while Dr Naledi Kgolo-Lotshwao was serving as a visiting lecturer at the German institution.

The visit also looked firmly towards the future. Discussions between the two universities identified several new areas for collaboration, including joint degree programmes in Environmental Sciences and Education, postgraduate co-supervision, collaborative research involving the Okavango Research Institute, co-teaching initiatives and expanded staff and student mobility.

As part of the programme, the UB delegation visited the German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) where preliminary discussions explored opportunities for collaboration in artificial intelligence, digital technologies and innovation.