Young people from Maun, particularly from the Mabudutsa ward, participated in a week-long aquaculture and business training from May 5 to 10, 2025. The workshop was led by Dr. Clifford B. Fedler of Texas Tech University, demonstrating a strong partnership between the U.S. and Botswana.
The program was organized by alumni of the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship and hosted at the Okavango Research Institute (ORI). It aimed to promote youth empowerment, food security, and sustainable development.
Participants gained practical skills in fish farming and entrepreneurship to address challenges like food security, youth unemployment, and economic diversification. The training included technical lessons and field demonstrations with support from Botswana’s Ministry of Agriculture and the Sexaxa Water Treatment Plant.
Several partners contributed to the workshop's success:
- North West District Council provided logistical support.
- Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) sponsored accommodations for alumni.
- Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) offered insights on water and food safety.
- University of Botswana’s ORI hosted the event.
- Various government departments shared resources for aquaculture ventures.
Dr. Fedler’s visit highlighted opportunities for expanding U.S.-Botswana academic and commercial partnerships. This initiative also opens avenues for U.S. businesses to engage with Botswana's food systems through exports.
The initiative has been described as "a bridge that links knowledge to opportunity, youth to enterprise, and Botswana to the global economy."