… Effective 1^st Nov 2022

Subsequent to vigorous international and nationwide search, National Agricultural Research and Development Institute (NARDI) is pleased to announce Professor Julius R. Atlhopheng as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Prof Atlhopheng has PhD in Geosciences from the University of Wollongong, Australia, MSc from Kings College London, United Kingdom and BSc University of East Anglia, United Kingdom. His disciplinary field is Environmental Science. He is not new to the research and development world, he has over 29 years of experience in Teaching, Research, Professional Engagement, Supervision of BSc, MSc and PhDs from reputable local and international Universities and has published extensively.

Prior to being NARDI CEO Prof Atlhopheng served multiple leadership positions locally and internationally. He is the United Nation’s trained Expert Negotiator for Multilateral Environmental Agreements and the Chairman of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) National Task Force. Prof Atlhopheng served as a member of various Presidential Task Forces such as the Botswana Transformation Strategy.

Therefore, the NARDI Board of Directors is confident that Professor Atlhopheng is the right trailblazer to guide the maiden NARDI Strategy 2022-2026 for NARDI to be a renowned transformative agricultural research and development institute as envisioned, realigning it to the Botswana Reset Agenda and the agricultural value chain through his excellent mix of competencies, leadership skills, extensive financial expertise, business advisory and development.

NARDI is a Government funded research and development institute incorporated as a company limited by guarantee, established by merging the National Food Technology Research Centre (NFTRC), the Department of Agricultural Research (DAR) and the Botswana National Veterinary Laboratory (BNVL). It is established to conduct high quality needs-based research and development across the agricultural value chain for the benefit of the economy, the agricultural industry, government and to the body of knowledge decentralised presence through a network of Regional Research Centres, Field Stations and Experimental Sites.

On behalf of NARDI Board, Management and Staff members I welcome the new CEO Prof Julius R. Atlhopheng. He is more than ready for the journey ahead.

Congratulations Professor Professor Julius R. Atlhopheng!

Dr Mbatshi Mazwiduma

Acting Chairperson

NARDI BOARD OF DIRECTORS