Private colleges poised to drive Botswana’s TVET revolution
Johannes Kambai | Monday June 8, 2026 15:49
This emerged during Higher Education Minister Prince Maele’s visit to the Gaborone Institute of Professional Studies (GIPS), where discussions extended beyond infrastructure and sponsorships to a broader vision of transforming Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) into a key engine of economic growth.
As the government intensifies efforts to equip young people with practical, job-ready skills, private Education and Training Providers (ETP) are increasingly being viewed as strategic partners capable of expanding access to training opportunities. Public technical colleges and brigades continue to face capacity limitations, creating an opportunity for private institutions to help bridge the gap and support national development goals.
The Ministry of Higher Education is currently conducting a nationwide assessment of private tertiary institutions, aimed at evaluating the value delivered by government-sponsored programmes. However, the exercise also highlights the critical contribution private colleges can make to addressing skills shortages in sectors such as construction, automotive engineering, hospitality, information technology, and entrepreneurship.
During the engagement at GIPS, Minister Maele underscored the importance of aligning training with industry needs. He pointed to international best practices where employers play a direct role in curriculum design, equipment procurement, and workplace-based learning. Such models ensure graduates possess the competencies required by industry and can transition seamlessly into employment.
The emphasis on stronger industry partnerships comes as Botswana seeks practical solutions to youth unemployment. Skills mismatch remains one of the major barriers to employment, with many graduates struggling to secure jobs despite holding qualifications. Industry-linked TVET programmes are increasingly being viewed as a solution to this challenge.
The government’s planned introduction of dedicated TVET sponsorship allocations from next year further signals confidence in the sector’s potential. Institutions will also face increased competition for student enrolments, which will encourage innovation, quality improvement, and stronger marketing efforts.
With technology rapidly reshaping the global labour market, TVET continues to stand out for its focus on hands-on professions that remain essential to daily life. As Botswana positions itself for a more skills-driven economy, private institutions could become some of the country’s most important catalysts for job creation, self-employment, and sustainable economic growth.