In a significant stride towards digitisation and efficiency, the Ministry of Higher Education has announced major improvements to its client service delivery system, with a new focus on digital applications.
Speaking at a media briefing held in Gaborone on Wednesday, Minister Prince Maele outlined how the ministry will streamline the processing of higher education sponsorships through an online platform beginning in the 2025/26 financial year.
Minister Maele said the e-system—originally developed in 2020—will now allow for the processing of all higher education sponsorship applications within one month, compared to the previous four-month timeframe.
“I hasten to point out that the development and implementation of the online service platform has greatly enhanced operational efficiency. We now are able to process applications for all the 12,836 applicants within a period of one month as opposed to the previous four months,” stated Maele.
The online platform will also benefit individual applicants, allowing them to complete the entire application process within 60 minutes and receive a sponsorship letter in a timely manner. According to the Minister, this innovation significantly reduces the logistical burden on applicants who previously had to travel to Gaborone or regional centres to submit their documents in person.
“Access to tertiary education financing services has been greatly improved, as students will apply from the comfort of their homes without the hassle to travel,” he noted.
In addition to streamlining services, the Ministry is also making policy adjustments to promote inclusivity. Maele announced that special provisions have been made to support orphans and destitute youth, thereby enhancing the affirmative framework of inclusiveness.
