The Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) has officially entered into a strategic partnership with Donkey Milk Industries (Pty) Ltd, trading as Secret Kalahari, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 17 April 2026. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in BUAN’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation and advancing non-traditional agricultural sectors. Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor of BUAN highlighted that the partnership represents a shared vision to explore and develop the donkey dairy sector, with particular emphasis on high-value products such as premium cosmetics and wellness solutions for export markets. The collaboration comes at a time when Botswana is actively pursuing the transformation of its agricultural sector to increase its contribution to national GDP. As a signatory to continental agricultural development frameworks, the country is prioritizing diversification and innovation to strengthen economic resilience. The donkey milk industry, though still emerging locally, presents a promising opportunity in this regard. Globally, the donkey milk market is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing demand for natural, nutrient-rich products. This positions Botswana to potentially benefit from a niche but expanding international market. Locally, the sector holds the potential to empower farmers, generate employment, and support rural livelihoods, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where donkeys are well adapted. Through this partnership, BUAN will leverage its expertise in research, science, and innovation to support the development of the donkey dairy value chain. In turn, Donkey Milk Industries will utilize this knowledge base to expand its operations and contribute to the growth of a sustainable agri-business ecosystem. The Vice Chancellor emphasized that the initiative aligns with BUAN’s vision of becoming an impactful and transformative institution, responsive to societal needs. He further noted that the collaboration reflects a broader commitment to sustainability, as donkey farming offers environmental benefits including low carbon emissions, climate resilience, and contributions to biodiversity. Looking ahead, the partnership is expected to catalyze a new wave of agri-business opportunities in Botswana, anchored in innovation and sustainability. It also reinforces the importance of strong partnerships between academia and industry in addressing national development challenges. The MoU signals not only a step forward for BUAN and Donkey Milk Industries, but also a promising future for Botswana’s agricultural sector and its people.

The Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) has formalised a strategic partnership with the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine (NUBiP) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aimed at advancing academic, research, and innovation collaboration. The MoU establishes a comprehensive framework for long-term bilateral cooperation between the two institutions, with a focus on joint research projects, development of academic programmes, and the exchange of students and staff. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening higher education and fostering global knowledge exchange in agriculture, environmental sciences, and related disciplines. Through this collaboration, BUAN students will benefit from international mobility opportunities, including study exchanges, research placements, and internships at NUBiP. These experiences are expected to enhance their academic development, broaden their global perspective, and improve their competitiveness in the job market. The agreement also provides for the mutual recognition of academic credits, ensuring that students can seamlessly integrate international learning into their studies. For BUAN staff, the MoU creates opportunities for professional growth through teaching exchanges, joint supervision of postgraduate research, and participation in international conferences, workshops, and seminars. It also promotes collaborative curriculum development, enabling the introduction of joint and double-degree programmes that meet international standards. A key component of the partnership is its emphasis on research and innovation. The two institutions will collaborate on joint research initiatives, share expertise and resources, and pursue international funding opportunities. This is expected to strengthen BUAN’s research output, support technology transfer, and contribute to solutions that address both local and global challenges. At a national level, the partnership holds significant benefits for Botswana. By strengthening research capacity, fostering innovation, and developing highly skilled graduates, the collaboration will contribute to sustainable development and economic growth. It also enhances Botswana’s visibility within the global academic community and reinforces BUAN’s role as a hub for excellence in agriculture and natural resources.    

On 16 April 2026, the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources had the distinct honour of hosting a high-level delegation from the French Senate and Embassy marking the third visit this year by the French Mission, a strong indication of deepening cooperation between Botswana and France.   The delegation was led by the Deputy Head of Mission Her Excellency Anouchka Crucovskoy, accompanied by the Senator of Vaucluse and President of the France-Southern Africa Friendship Group, the Deputy Chairperson of the France-Botswana Friendship Group, the Senator of Moselle (Grand Est), as well as an Administrator from the French Senate, the Cooperation Attachée, and the Communication Attachée. Their presence underscored the importance of strengthening ties not only at a diplomatic level, but also across legislative and academic spheres.   Welcoming the delegation, Vice Chancellor Professor Ketlhatlogile Mosepele described the visit as both an honour and a catalyst for meaningful collaboration. He highlighted that such engagements reflect the often underappreciated but critical intersection between academia, diplomacy, and legislature, sectors that must work together to drive impactful development. He emphasized that while universities are engines of research and innovation, their true value lies in how effectively that knowledge serves society.   The Vice Chancellor further outlined BUAN’s strategic focus on transforming rural livelihoods through innovation, inclusivity, and skills development. Central to this vision is the expansion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training programmes aimed at empowering the thousands of Botswana youth who do not transition into tertiary education each year. Through satellite campuses, value-chain-based training, and practical, technology-driven learning, BUAN seeks to equip young people to actively contribute to the national economy while advancing food and nutrition security.   In response, the Deputy Head of Mission commended BUAN’s transformative agenda and its clear commitment to societal impact, particularly in rural development. The French delegation’s broader mission to strengthen people-to-people ties and promote economic cooperation, especially within rural communities resonates strongly with the university’s mandate. This alignment creates fertile ground for collaboration in knowledge exchange, innovation, and technology transfer.   This continued engagement between BUAN and the French Mission signals a growing and strategic partnership that stands to benefit not only the university community, but Botswana at large. It opens doors to global expertise, strengthens capacity in agriculture and natural resources, and reinforces a shared commitment to sustainable development. As BUAN continues to extend its reach into communities across the country, such partnerships ensure that its impact remains both locally relevant and globally connected.