The 21st RUFORUM Annual General Meeting (AGM) officially opened today, Monday, 1st December 2025, at the Gaborone International Conference Centre. The ceremony brought together representatives from governments, universities, research institutions, and development partners across Africa.
Gulu University, through the TAGDev 2.0 Program, is participating actively in this year’s AGM, which focuses on advancing the role of higher education in Africa’s transformative development agenda.
Opening Session Highlights
1. Remarks by Prof. Ketlhatlogile Mosepele, Vice Chancellor, BUAN (Host University)
Prof. Mosepele emphasised the importance of leveraging collective expertise to shape the future of agriculture in line with the Kampala Declaration and AU Agenda 2063. He used African proverbs to illustrate the value of unity and collaboration, praising RUFORUM for strengthening ties between research, knowledge, and action.
He showcased BUAN-led community-transforming research on safflower and called on African universities to redesign curricula, prioritise societal research, and advance equitable policies for youth and women.
2. Remarks by Prof. Patrick Okori, Executive Secretary, RUFORUM
Prof. Okori appreciated the Government of Botswana and BUAN for hosting the AGM. He urged African universities to intensify innovation and science-driven approaches to agricultural transformation, noting that agriculture supports 60% of Africa’s population. He emphasised strategic partnerships as essential pathways for development.
3. Remarks by Prof. Theresia Nkuo-Akenji, RUFORUM Board Chair
She highlighted RUFORUM’s strong network of over 170 universities and the visible impact of its graduates and research outputs. She encouraged member universities to collectively address climate change and unemployment through knowledge sharing, innovation, and strengthened collaboration.
4. Conference Address by Prof. Richard Tabulawa, Permanent Secretary, Botswana Ministry of Higher Education
Prof. Tabulawa reaffirmed Botswana’s commitment to investing in science-based higher education and digital transformation. He noted that RUFORUM’s agenda aligns with national priorities and encouraged institutions in Botswana to use the AGM as a platform to form meaningful research partnerships.
5. Official AGM Opening Address – Delivered by Hon. Prince Maele on behalf of H.E. Advocate Duma Boko, President of Botswana
The Minister expressed pride in Botswana hosting the AGM and emphasised the importance of government–university–private sector partnerships. He called for greater innovation to tackle Africa’s pressing challenges, including climate change, unemployment, food insecurity, and energy crises.
He urged universities to invest in the green economy and youth-driven solutions before officially declaring the AGM open at 13:14 CAT.
6. Vote of Thanks by Mr. Neo Moroka, BUAN Council Chair
Mr. Moroka extended gratitude to all speakers, cultural performers, and delegates for contributing to a successful opening ceremony.
Conclusion
Across all speeches, the common message was clear:
Africa’s transformation depends on collaboration, co-creation, innovation, and the strategic use of science to address emerging challenges.
TAGDev 2.0 Gulu University remains fully committed to contributing to these shared goals throughout the AGM and beyond.
#RUFORUMAGM2025
