Africa-Press – Botswana. President Advocate Duma Boko has stressed the urgent need for a transformative reform of Botswana’s education system.
Officiating at the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Pitso and Expo on July 10, he highlighted the importance of reimagining both the content and delivery methods of education in Botswana, urging all stakeholders to envision a future where innovation thrived and opportunities were accessible in every corner of the country.
“Today is therefore, an occasion for reflection as we seek to transform our education system, both in terms of content and in terms of method and style of delivery,” he said, describing the Pitso as a crucial moment for reflection and action aimed at shaping the future of the nation’s workforce.
In addition to calling for systematic reform, he highlighted government’s commitment to investing in technology, infrastructure and the welfare of vocational learners. Notably, he announced an increase in the TVET allowance from P300 to P1 900, a significant step toward alleviating financial hardships and encouraging more youth to pursue vocational training.
President Boko also called on the nation to build a production-led economy, bridge inequalities and foster entrepreneurship across communities.
He acknowledged the realities of high youth unemployment, a struggling economy, and over-reliance on a single commodity that had long defined the country’s economic outlook.
“Our realities are overwhelming but they also present opportunities for us to ignite creativity and spark new ideas.”
President Boko urged participants to generate innovative ideas that would challenge and transform Botswana’s approach to education and economic development.
Minister of Higher Education Mr Prince Maele, whose recent visit to Ghana afforded him the opportunity to engage with leading institutions and gain insights into successful TVET reforms, announced that government was in the final stages of developing a comprehensive National TVET Policy.
The new framework, he said, aimed to establish a SMART TVET system that guaranteed quality, inclusivity, employability and lifelong learning.
It is designed to foster a flexible, demand-driven education ecosystem that integrates green economy skills, indigenous knowledge and research-based innovation, he said.
Minister Maele urged stakeholders to view the TVET journey as a marathon, requiring collective effort, resilience and unwavering commitment. The sector he stressed, held the key to a brighter future for the country, driven by skilled, innovative and resilient youth.
The minister highlighted that TVET Pitso marked a milestone for the ministry and reaffirmed government’s dedication to revitalising the sector.
Mr Maele explained that government’s goal was to equip young people with the necessary skills, creativity and resilience to thrive in an increasingly dynamic global economy.
He said current initiatives included efforts to improve infrastructure, modernise curricula and expand access to vocational training opportunities. Notably, he said there were plans to rename brigades as vocational training centres and to increase learner allowances, further improving access to training.
The minister also acknowledged Botswana’s partnership with Ghana, labelling the country’s successful transformation of its TVET sector an inspiring example.
He observed that Ghana’s efforts in revamping infrastructure, aligning curricula with industry needs, and promoting work-based learning through apprenticeships and internships served as valuable benchmarks for Botswana’s reforms.
Reaffirming the importance of TVET, Mr Maele said it formed the backbone of Botswana’s vision to become a high-income, knowledge-driven economy.
He called for stronger collaboration among government, industry and training providers to co-develop curricula, embed work-based learning, and leverage digital innovations such as virtual reality to enhance experiential learning.
Expressing optimism, he said that through strategic partnerships and sustained dedication, Botswana could unlock the full potential of its people.
He said the success of the initiatives depended on the collective effort of all stakeholders involved, ultimately transforming the nation into a resilient, innovative and prosperous society.
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