HRDC Engages AAHEFA Delegation in High-Level Exchange on Human Capital and Education Reform

Gaborone, 14th July 2025 - The Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) hosted a high-level delegation from the Association of African Higher Education Financing Agencies (AAHEFA), marking a key moment in Botswana’s ongoing engagement with International Organisations, on issues of higher education. This visit is part of AAHEFA’s appreciation tour in Botswana, for strategic dialogue with different Organisations about institutional innovation, labour market development and education reform.

HRDC Chief Executive Officer Professor Alinah K. Segobye officially welcomed the delegation, expressing pride in Botswana’s strides to align human capital strategies with national development priorities. She emphasised the importance of cross-border collaboration in strengthening Africa’s education and economic resilience.

A feature presentation was delivered by the Acting Director of Strategy, Policy and Business Development, Dr. Matthews Phiri, who highlighted Botswana’s socio-economic trajectory and introduced the evolving Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Policy. The policy framework promotes lifelong learning and seeks to equip citizens with skills for a dynamic and inclusive labour market.

AAHEFA President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. J. Machayi commended Botswana’s integrated and evidence-based planning approach, describing it as a benchmark for harmonizing education and economic strategies across the continent.

Further insights were shared by Mr. Kgomotso Waditshwene, Manager for Statistics, Research Development and Innovation, who presented the Labour Market Information System (LMIS). A data-driven platform designed to support informed policy decisions and guide workforce planning. The delegation praised the system’s adaptability and noted its relevance for replication in other African contexts.

The session included focused discussions on skills mapping, education financing models, and the application of digital infrastructure to reform and modernize tertiary education systems. These deliberations set the tone for additional engagements scheduled throughout the tour, offering the delegation a broader view of Botswana’s innovations in higher education financing and policy formulation.

In closing, HRDC’s Chief Operations Officer Mr. Meshack J. Tafa expressed appreciation to the AAHEFA representatives for their participation and reaffirmed Botswana’s ongoing commitment to building inclusive, data-informed, and collaborative education systems that respond to the continent’s future needs.

Some of the Organisations that AAHEFA will engage with during this appreciation visit, include: Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE); Department of Tertiary Education and Financing (DTEF); Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA); University of Botswana (UB); Botswana Association of Private Tertiary Educations Providers (BAPTEP); Business Botswana (BB) and Southern African Development Community (SADC).