The event, attended by high-level dignitaries including FAO Representative Carla Mucavi, FAO’s Head of Environment Portfolio Dr Michael Flyman, BUAN’s acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Research, deans, directors, and members of the media, marked the beginning of what is expected to be a transformative partnership.
In his keynote address, the BUAN representative expressed great optimism about the collaboration, describing it as a public affirmation of mutual commitment between the two institutions.
“This collaboration will connect us to FAO’s vast global network. It is what we need as a university to accelerate our transformation and truly become a driving force in sustainable development,” he said. The partnership aligns closely with BUAN’s vision of leveraging agriculture and natural resources to propel Botswana’s socio-economic growth. Central to this vision is innovation and research intensification, key pillars of BUAN’s strategic plan. “BUAN envisions itself as a key vehicle to facilitate the implementation of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in Botswana,” he added. “This LOI is a step towards embedding technological innovation and sustainability in our food systems.”
The LOI lays the groundwork for a comprehensive framework of cooperation between BUAN and FAO, focusing on two main objectives: the sustainable management and utilisation of natural resources for current and future generations, and the transformation of agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. FAO’s strategic interest in partnering with academic institutions like BUAN was also highlighted, as such collaborations are crucial to mobilizing academic knowledge, developing capacity, and disseminating innovative solutions for global food and nutrition security. “FAO can use us to amplify its impact both nationally and globally,” said the BUAN representative. “We recognize the role that education with production plays in building an equitable and dynamic economy. Our goals are aligned.” While acknowledging the disparity in size between BUAN and FAO one being a young, national institution and the other a global giant the BUAN official emphasised that this partnership is grounded in mutual respect and a shared commitment to change. “In the words of Hercules, ‘A true hero isn’t measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart.’ BUAN may be small, but we have the heart and the will to make a meaningful impact.” The ceremony concluded with a firm commitment from both sides to fully implement the Letter of Intent, paving the way for a future Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will further deepen collaboration and operationalise shared goals. This partnership marks a bold step forward for Botswana’s drive to become a knowledge-based economy, and BUAN’s ambition to become a hub of impactful research and innovation.
