BAC becomes Botswana School of Business Sciences
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday March 2, 2026 06:00
The transformation of Botswana Accountancy College into Botswana School of Business Sciences, approved by the Botswana Qualifications Authority and effective January 15, 2026, comes as the institution celebrates 30 years of existence.
Founded in 1996 as Botswana Centre for Accounting Studies, the institution was established to address the shortage of locally trained accountants. However, over the years it has evolved into a multi-disciplinary institution, offering programmes in business, procurement, insurance, leisure and information communication technology, allowing it to compete more broadly within the higher education sector.
Acting Executive Director, Dr Tebogo Magang, said the new identity reflects both institutional maturity and future ambition.
“The renaming and evolution of Botswana Accountancy College to Botswana School of Business Sciences marks a significant milestone in the history of our institution, one that honours our proud heritage while boldly embracing a future of innovation, growth and academic excellence,” he said.
Dr Magang said the transition strengthens the institution’s strategic position at a time when competition among tertiary institutions is intensifying, particularly in business-related programmes.
“As we move forward with this new identity, we re-affirm our mission to continue providing quality education and serve as a catalyst for positive change, illuminating paths to a brighter future and creating opportunity across Botswana, Africa and beyond,” he said.
A key development underpinning the transformation is the attainment of awarding-body status, which allows the institution to confer its own undergraduate degrees from the 2026-2027 academic year. This represents a major shift from reliance on partner universities and places the institution among a select group of locally based tertiary institutions with such academic authority.
The move significantly enhances its competitiveness, institutional independence and credibility, positioning it alongside universities rather than traditional colleges. Dr Magang said the milestone marks an important step towards full university status, which remains the institution’s long-term objective. He added that the institution has already expanded its regional footprint into Namibia and Lesotho, further strengthening its standing and influence beyond Botswana.
Meanwhile, the institution has embarked on an ambitious campus expansion programme designed to support its growth and improve student experience. The expansion includes plans to construct student accommodation, additional classrooms, academic offices and a commercial wing that will help generate income to sustain academic development. The project is also expected to help address the shortage of student accommodation in Botswana, which remains a challenge across the tertiary education sector.
BAC deputy board chairperson, Elaina Gonsalves, said the rebrand represents a defining moment in the institution’s journey.
“This renaming is not just about a new name, nor is it just a ceremonial event. It is about embracing the future that honours our past and acknowledges our progress,” she said.
She said the milestone reflects the collective contribution of staff, students, alumni and industry partners, and positions the institution to play a greater role in skills development and economic transformation.
With its new identity, degree-awarding powers and expansion drive, Botswana School of Business Sciences is positioning itself to compete at a higher level within the tertiary education sector and accelerate its transition into a fully-fledged university.