BUAN, GABORONE CITY COUNCIL FORGE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

In a pivotal stride toward sustainable urban development, the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) and the Gaborone City Council (GCC) have formalized their alliance with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This landmark agreement, formalized during a ceremony graced by BUAN Vice Chancellor Professor Ketlhatlogile Mosepele and Gaborone City Mayor Austin Abraham, endeavors to address the mounting challenges of urbanization and enhance the quality of life in Gaborone.

Professor Mosepele underscored the significance of the partnership, stating, "This event is the culmination of several interactions between BUAN and GCC. We share a common Vision and Mission, aiming to uplift the lives of Batswana through collaboration." He illuminated BUAN’s core mandate in teaching and research in agriculture and natural resources, with an aspiration to become an innovative and research-intensive university. "Sustainability is the underpinning framework of our operations," he added, reaffirming the university’s commitment to stakeholder engagement and social services.

Gaborone, home to over 246,000 residents as per the 2022 national census, grapples with substantial challenges due to its high population density, which is anticipated to surge to approximately 2,000 individuals per square kilometer by 2026. The city's rapid urbanization has precipitated an increased demand for housing, freshwater, sewage systems, energy, transportation networks, public health, and education. Professor Mosepele noted that a 2017 study by the UN Economic Commission for Africa revealed Gaborone's relatively low prosperity compared to other global cities, with environmental sustainability being the weakest dimension.

Echoing these concerns, Mayor Abraham remarked, "This auspicious day marks another important milestone for both the GCC and BUAN, especially in the sustainable development of Gaborone City." He emphasized the partnership’s importance in tackling challenges such as flooding, carbon emissions, and city lighting. The collaboration aspires to capitalize on opportunities in renewable energies and landscape management, with initiatives like the agrivoltaic plant, which integrates solar power generation with agriculture, playing a pivotal role.

The MoU delineates several initiatives, including smart farming systems, green city projects, and urban farming systems, all designed to fortify Gaborone’s resilience and sustainability. This partnership aligns seamlessly with Botswana's Vision 2036, which aims to achieve "Prosperity for All" through sustainable economic development, human and social development, environmental sustainability, and good governance.

Professor Mosepele highlighted BUAN’s dedication to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that the university’s initiatives, such as the Water Purification Plant and Aquaculture Demonstration Project, contribute to goals like Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being, and Clean Water and Sanitation. "At BUAN, we live and breathe the SDGs," he asserted, expressing confidence that the collaboration with GCC will benefit both Gaborone and Botswana as a whole.

Mayor Abraham concluded by assuring that the GCC will fully support the MoU’s implementation, expressing optimism about the partnership’s potential to position Gaborone as a global investment hub. "The signing of this MoU symbolizes a partnership that will lead to many new joint initiatives, adding academic and sustainable value for both institutions in the years ahead," he said.

As Gaborone continues to grow and evolve, this strategic partnership between BUAN and GCC represents a critical step toward a sustainable future for the city and its residents.