The Imperial School of Business and Science (ISBS) recently welcomed the Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Prince Maele, and his delegation on an official visit to the institution, reaffirming the growing partnership between Government and private tertiary institutions in advancing Botswana’s higher education, skills development and human capital agenda.
The visit provided an opportunity for the HonourableMinister and his delegation to engage with students, alumni, faculty and management while gaining first-hand insight into the institution’s academic programmes, graduate outcomes, infrastructure investment and future expansion plans.
Speaking during the visit, Maele expressed confidence in the institution’s contribution to Botswana’s higher education sector and its potential to play an even greater role in national development. “We regard you as our important stakeholder; we regard you as our strategic partner in growing higher education,” said Honourable Prince Maele.
“I liked one comment from one of the young ladies here who said, ‘We’re also leading the nation on the other side.’ That was a loaded statement. It tells me you are making an impact. Very good infrastructure, and I’m just wondering what is going to come up on that side when this is already impressive,” he remarked. The Minister further praised the institution’s investment in modern facilities and expressed excitement about its future expansion plans.
Throughout the engagement, the institution’s contribution to Botswana’s higher education sector was evident through strong graduate employability outcomes, sustained alumni engagement, expanding infrastructure and a clear commitment to supporting national development priorities. Maele commended the institution’s ability to maintain meaningful relationships with its graduates and track their progress beyond graduation, noting this as an important indicator of educational relevance and impact.
“When we go around, we normally talk about tracer studies. You have been able to trace your alumni, you know where they are, you know what they are doing. This is good,” he added.
The engagement also highlighted the growing role private tertiary institutions can play in supporting Government’s ambition to transform higher education and develop a knowledge-based economy. Discussions focused on the importance of producing industry-ready graduates, strengthening partnerships between academia and industry, and ensuring higher education remains responsive to the needs of a changing economy.
Particular recognition was given to the institution’s continued investment in educational infrastructure and its long-term vision for growth. The ongoing campus expansion, student accommodation investments and planned future development were cited as indicators of confidence in Botswana’s future and a commitment to creating a world-class learning environment capable of serving future generations of students.
The visit further reinforced confidence in the institution’s trajectory, with Maele acknowledging the positive impact ISBS continues to make through graduate success stories, community engagement initiatives and its broader contribution to skills development and national human capital formation.
The Minister further described ISBS as an institution that has established itself as a significant player within Botswana’s tertiary education landscape. “In Imperial, I see a giant, a giant that is well positioned to be able to help our Ministry transform higher education. I want you to be a world-class training institute in Botswana,” he said.
From Humble Beginnings to a Diversified Institution
Established in 2003, ISBS is a citizen-owned private tertiary institution that has steadily grown into one of Botswana’s recognised providers of higher education and professional training. Over the past two decades, the institution has expanded its academic offering to include programmes in Accounting, Business, Finance, Management, Tourism, Education, Health Sciences and Information Technology, alongside a broad portfolio of corporate training and short learning programmes.
ISBS has maintained a strong commitment to quality assurance throughout its growth journey. The institution has successfully navigated successive regulatory frameworks and today offers a range of qualifications accredited by the Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA), spanning certificate, diploma, undergraduate degree and postgraduate levels.
Investing in Botswana’s Future
ISBS continues to demonstrate confidence in Botswana’s future through sustained investment in educational infrastructure and student support services.
In recent years, the institution has expanded its campus footprint, invested in student accommodation facilities and acquired a strategic site in central Gaborone earmarked for future development. These investments reflect a long-term commitment to creating a modern learning environment that supports teaching excellence, innovation, research and student success.
The planned expansion is expected to further strengthen the institution’s contribution to employment creation, skills development and Botswana’s transition towards a knowledge-based economy.
Supporting Students Beyond Graduation
At ISBS, education is viewed as a lifelong journey. The institution supports students from recruitment and admission through to graduation and professional development.
Students benefit from academic guidance, industry exposure, practical learning experiences, industrial attachments and career development opportunities designed to improve employability and workplace readiness. The institution continues to engage its alumni through lifelong learning initiatives and opportunities for further academic advancement.
The positive outcomes achieved by graduates were evident during the Minister’s interaction with alumni who shared their professional journeys and career achievements following their studies at ISBS.
Social Impact Beyond the Classroom
ISBS remains committed to supporting Botswana’s development through education-led social impact initiatives.
The institution has maintained a longstanding partnership with SOS Children’s Village since its inception and continues to support Monax Shelter and other community-focused initiatives. Through annual sponsorship of prize-giving ceremonies at secondary schools across Botswana, student sponsorship programmes and educational outreach activities, ISBS seeks to expand access to learning opportunities and contribute to the development of future generations.
As Botswana advances its vision of becoming a knowledge-driven economy, ISBS remains committed to partnering with Government, industry and communities to develop skilled graduates, expand access to education and contribute meaningfully to national development.
