President Duma Boko says government is committed to transforming Botswana’s education system to better prepare young people for future jobs and economic growth.
Delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA), the President said education remains a key foundation for social and economic development, and government is placing strong focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a driver for transformation and job creation.
He said government is introducing a new curriculum framework that follows a STEAM-driven approach, focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, through the General Curriculum and Assessment Framework (GECAF). The aim, he said, is to produce a skilled and globally competitive workforce.
“To make this change successful, we are prioritising teacher empowerment, infrastructure improvement, and digitalisation,” said the President. “Teachers will be retrained to effectively deliver the new STEAM approach from early childhood to senior secondary level.” Implementation of the new curriculum is expected to begin in the January 2026 academic year.
Boko said government is also aware of unused and underutilised education facilities, and plans are underway to improve maintenance by involving TVET students in repairs and renovations. He said this approach will help reduce costs while also giving students practical experience in their fields of training.
He also announced the completion of the Maun Centre for Children with Severe and Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities, which will cater for learners up to 18 years old. The President described the project as an important step in promoting inclusive education and ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, can access quality learning opportunities.
As part of ongoing education improvements, his excellency said the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, is working to secure a World Bank loan of over USD 104 million (about BWP 1.4 billion).
The loan will be used to refurbish schools, expand access to secondary education, strengthen teacher training and support, establish a student learning management system, promote early childhood development, and support out-of-school children and youth. It will also help advance the teaching and learning of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) in schools.
The President also revealed that 12 new primary schools are under construction, with six already near completion in Oodi, Gaborone (two), Mogoditshane, Kumakwane, and Francistown, while the rest are progressing well. He added that government continues to address the shortage of classrooms, teachers’ houses, and toilets through the backlog eradication programme across all local authorities.
President Boko said these initiatives reflect government’s broader commitment to building a strong, inclusive, and skills-based education system that supports Botswana’s long-term development goals.
