Through the agreement, the two entities aim to provide a training needs analysis for the prospective and current entrepreneurs in different districts in Botswana as well as to provide research and innovation to address contemporary issues. It also intends to facilitate engagement between BAC and hospitality and tourism industry. HATAB CEO, Lily Rakgorong expressed that the partnership was long coming and that as an organisation they are excited to finally see the MoU coming to reality.
“This is something that has been in discussion for a very long time. On our side we have always dreamt of working closely, partnering with the supply side of which BAC stands for. They are the ones producing the products to the industry, and as industry we had said we need to now come closer with the supply side so that we are able to develop together what will be needed for the advancement of the hospitality in Botswana,” she said.
Rakgorong continued, “Our perspective is that the skills that are developed in Botswana, should not only be focused on new entrants but also how do we retool those that are already in the industry. So there is a lot of excitement within the industry as we enter into this new joint venture. Over and above that how do we get these learners to open their own business and grow the industry to be able to drive the much-needed jobs that Botswana is searching for.”
For her part, BAC Executive Director Serty Leburu also expressed her institution’s excitement for the new ‘marriage’.
“We are here to cement relationships. As BAC we have always said there is something we are missing within the hospitality field. This is the beginning of greater things. We hope that with this MoU, we will also extend other offerings not necessarily limited to what we have already into the different sectors of the economy,” he said.
Leburu further lamented that BAC graduates continue to excel in their different fields, including hospitality as evidenced by the demand from the industry.
“When we introduced these programmes, it was specifically for the facts that tourism is a major contributor to the GDP of our country. There was no way we would not participate in that space, especially in building the skills and the capacity to drive our economy,” she said.
The momentous occasion was sealed with a signing off ceremony as the two bind themselves to the new relationship.
