The Minister of Higher Education, Honourable Prince Maele, has described the Imperial School of Business and Science (ISBS) as a “giant” in Botswana’s tertiary education sector, saying the institution is well positioned to support government’s efforts to transform higher education and develop a knowledge-based economy.
Speaking during an official visit to the Gaborone-based institution, Maele praised ISBS for its graduate employability outcomes, investment in infrastructure and ability to track the progress of its alumni long after graduation. He said these achievements demonstrate the institution’s growing impact on national development.
“We regard you as our important stakeholder; we regard you as our strategic partner in growing higher education,” the minister said. He further commended the institution’s expansion plans, noting that its modern facilities and continued investment reflect confidence in Botswana’s future.
A key highlight of the engagement was ISBS’ ability to conduct tracer studies and maintain contact with former students. Maele said this enables the institution to measure the relevance of its programmes and better understand the career paths of its graduates.
Founded in 2003, ISBS has grown from a small private college into a diversified tertiary institution offering qualifications in business, accounting, finance, education, health sciences, tourism and information technology. The institution has also expanded its campus infrastructure, invested in student accommodation and acquired land in central Gaborone for future development.
The minister said government sees private tertiary institutions as critical partners in producing industry-ready graduates and strengthening Botswana’s human capital base. He challenged ISBS to continue raising its standards, saying he wants to see it develop into a world-class training institution capable of supporting the country’s long-term development ambitions.