Gaborone, Botswana – Dozens of young people from Maun, particularly Mabudutsa ward, took part in an intensive week-long aquaculture and business training from May 5 to 10, 2025, signaling growing cooperation between Botswana and the United States in youth empowerment and sustainable development.
The workshop, held at the Okavango Research Institute (ORI) and led by U.S. aquaculture expert Dr. Clifford B. Fedler of Texas Tech University, focused on building practical skills in fish farming and entrepreneurship. It was organized by alumni of the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship and supported by a coalition of public institutions and development partners.
Participants received hands-on training in aquaculture techniques and learned how to develop fish farming into viable business ventures. The initiative directly addresses pressing national issues such as food insecurity, youth unemployment, and the need to diversify Botswana’s economy beyond traditional sectors.
The program blended technical sessions with field demonstrations, including collaboration with Botswana’s Ministry of Agriculture and the Sexaxa Water Treatment Plant. The goal: equip participants with both the know-how and resources to pursue aquaculture as a sustainable source of income.
The project was the result of multi-stakeholder coordination. The North West District Council provided logistical support and local outreach, while the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) sponsored alumni accommodations and academic materials. The Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) offered guidance on water and food safety, with a commitment to ongoing virtual mentorship.
Additional backing came from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA), and several government departments, all of which provided technical support, information on funding opportunities, and regulatory insight to support the development of youth-led aquaculture ventures.
Beyond the immediate impact on Maun’s youth, the initiative also represents a step toward deepening academic and commercial ties between Botswana and U.S. institutions. ORI expressed interest in expanding its collaboration with Texas Tech University, and Dr. Fedler’s visit has been viewed as a strategic opening for increased U.S. engagement in Botswana’s food systems.
The training has been described by organizers as a platform that connects local knowledge to global opportunity. It demonstrates the potential for cross-sector partnerships to empower youth, improve food security, and integrate Botswana’s emerging aquaculture sector into the global economy.
