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News Date : 03 July, 2026

BUAN Explores Strategic Partnership with Huzhou Sangtian Silk Co., Ltd. of China to Develop Botswana’s Sericulture Industry

Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) today welcomed a delegation from Huzhou Sangtian Silk Co., Ltd. of China to discuss opportunities for collaboration in developing Botswana’s silk value chain through the promotion of sericulture.

The visit formed part of BUAN’s ongoing commitment to establishing strategic partnerships that advance agricultural innovation, strengthen research and training, and support sustainable socio-economic development in Botswana.

The delegation from Huzhou Sangtian Silk Co., Ltd., a company with extensive expertise in silk production and the global silk industry, engaged BUAN leadership and technical experts in discussions on the potential introduction and development of sericulture in Botswana. The proposed collaboration seeks to explore opportunities across the entire silk value chain, including mulberry cultivation, silkworm rearing, cocoon production, value addition through silk processing, and market development.

During the meeting, both parties emphasised that the successful implementation of agricultural development projects requires more than investment and technology transfer. Sustainable outcomes are achieved when projects are anchored in local research, skills development, institutional partnerships, and the active participation of farmers, students, and communities.

The discussions identified several areas for potential collaboration, including:

  • Capacity building and specialised training programmes;

  • Applied research and innovation in sericulture;

  • Establishment of demonstration and pilot production sites;

  • Student internships and experiential learning opportunities;

  • Technical support and knowledge transfer;

  • Farmer training and extension services; and

  • Development of sustainable market opportunities for silk products.

Under the proposed partnership, BUAN would play a central role in providing research expertise, academic training, student engagement, demonstration projects, and technical support. Huzhou Sangtian Silk Co., Ltd. would contribute its specialised technical expertise, support project implementation, facilitate technology transfer, and assist in developing markets for silk products.

Sericulture presents significant opportunities for Botswana to diversify its agricultural sector, create employment, particularly among youth and rural communities, promote entrepreneurship, and contribute to economic diversification. Through research-driven innovation and strategic partnerships, the industry has the potential to become a new avenue for sustainable agricultural development.

Speaking on the significance of the engagement, BUAN reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with industry partners whose expertise complements the University's mandate of advancing agriculture and natural resources through education, research, innovation, and community engagement.

The meeting concluded with both parties expressing optimism about the prospects of working together to assess the feasibility of establishing a sustainable sericulture industry in Botswana, with further technical engagements expected as discussions progress.

As Botswana continues to pursue agricultural transformation and economic diversification, partnerships such as this demonstrate BUAN’s dedication to driving innovation, developing local capacity, and creating opportunities that contribute meaningfully to national development.