2nd German-Botswana Symposium on Vocational Education and Training: Viva TVET!

The 2nd German-Botswana Symposium on Vocational Education and Training took place on 13 June 2024. With almost 300 participants, the event received a very positive response from the Botswana education sector.

The symposium attracted a large number of participants from vocational education and training institutions, colleges, universities and industry. Their keen interest underlined the growing need for vocational training in Botswana. The Botswana Qualifications Authority, the Botswana Business Association and German training providers were also represented.

The Minister of Education, Dr Douglas Letsholathebe, opened the event and emphasised the importance of cooperation between Botswana and Germany in the field of vocational education and training. Dr Andreas Werner, Director of iMOVE, sent a video message highlighting the importance of private sector cooperation between Botswana and Germany in the area of vocational education and training.

Exchange on cooperation potential

The symposium, organised by iMOVE, the German-African Business Association, the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce for Southern Africa (AHK Southern Africa) and the Botswana Ministry of Education and Skills Development, is a platform for dialogue on the potential for cooperation.

German and Botswanan companies presented their solutions to the diverse skills needs. Panel discussions and exhibitions showcased innovative approaches and technologies that can help improve vocational education and training in Botswana.

© iMOVE/BIBB

Peter Pfaffe (iMOVE) and Dr Douglas Letsholathebe (Minister of Education and Skills Development of Botswana)

Minister and Permanent Secretary highlight the vital role of vocational education and training for Botswana

Dr Douglas Letsholathebe, Minister of Education and Skills Development of Botswana, underlined the crucial role of vocational education and training (TVET) in Botswana's economic development.

He also stressed that TVET is the cornerstone of the country's transformation to a Knowledge Based Economy (KBE) . TVET provides the skills needed for economic development and job creation. He pointed out the need to ensure access to high quality, labour market-oriented skills and emphasised the importance of work-based learning to better integrate TVET graduates into the country's various industries.

In her welcome address, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, Ms Bonolo Khumotaka, highlighted the role of the symposium in promoting the exchange of innovative best practices in TVET and fostering international partnerships to further transform the sector. She underlined the urgent need for skilled workers in various sectors of the economy and the importance of collaboration between TVET institutions and the private sector.

Enhancement of co-operation in vocational education and training

In a keynote speech, Peter Pfaffe from iMOVE gave an insight into the interaction between different actors in vocational education and training in Germany. He also pointed out that German education and training providers are keen to support government and private stakeholders as partners in the further development of vocational education and training in Botswana.

Held under the theme "Building Bridges - Strengthening Cooperation in TVET towards a Knowledge Society", the symposium aimed to promote partnerships between government and private sector stakeholders to advance vocational education and training.

Seven German companies, including five from the iMOVE network, participated in the event and discussed their solutions and experiences with high-level representatives from the Botswana education sector in four panel discussions on the following topics:

• The role of the private sector in TVET
• Improving the quality and relevance of TVET
• Greening TVET
• TVET for the 4th Industrial Revolution

Business initiation trip to Botswana

The symposium was part of and the highlight of the business initiation trip to Botswana from 10 to 14 June 2024 for vocational training providers, organised by the German-African Business Association in cooperation with the AHK for Southern Africa as part of the Market Development Programme of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK).

As a specialist partner, iMOVE was heavily involved in the planning and organisation of the trip and initiated the vocational training symposium as a continuation of the exchange format with the Botswana Ministry of Education, which first took place in spring 2023. An intensive exchange with the Botswana Embassy in Berlin supported the activities.

iMOVE News, 27.03.2024: New Ambassador of the Republic of Botswana meets iMOVE

© iMOVE/BIBB

Visit to the training centre of the Construction Industry Trust Fund CITF in Gaborone

As part of the trip, the German delegation visited various institutions in Botswana's education sector prior to the symposium.

With a population of around 2.6 million, the comparatively sparsely populated country in southern Africa is considered an attractive target market for education exports from Germany. By investing heavily in the education sector, the government aims to reduce its dependence on diamond exports and diversify the economy.

Great interest in symposium from Botswana media

The symposium received widespread media attention in Botswana. Several national newspapers reported on the event the following day, which was also covered on television and streamed live on social media, including Facebook.

Botswana Daily News: TVET set to reshape countrys future

facebock: Botswana-German TVET symposium

Feedback from training providers

Many thanks to iMOVE and the team for providing an excellent platform for business initiation, which helps me a lot to get in touch with people. Everywhere I go, I am recognised as part of the German delegation.