The delegation from the Botswana Open University led by the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University Professor Kgomotso H. Moahi on 17 January, 2024 met with the SADC Executive Secretary H.E. Mr. Elias Mpedi Magosi.

During the meeting, the two parties discussed the need to develop a Memorandum of Understanding which will provide a framework of cooperation between Botswana Open University and SADC on the promotion of Open and Distance Learning to make higher education inclusive and more accessible to SADC citizens.

The parties appreciated the work of the Botswana Open University in allowing individuals to upgrade their skills and stay relevant in a rapidly evolving job market, while fostering inclusivity by reaching out to marginalized groups, people with disabilities, and learners in remote areas.

Botswana Open University houses the SADC Centre for Distance Education (SADC - CDE) which was was established in June 2005 to serve as an Open and Distance Learning Centre of Excellence in Southern Africa.

Director of Social and Human Development at the SADC Secretariat, Ms. Duduzile Simelane, highlighted that, one of the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic , was that open and distance learning is an indispensable part of education and called for investment in this form of learning.

The delegation from the Botswana Open University also included Dr. Mmabaledi K. Seeletso, Director of the SADC Centre for Distance Education and Professor Gbolagade Adekanmbi, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Services) and Dean of the School of Education.