The teaching profession in Botswana is making steady progress toward stronger professional recognition, improved teachingstandards and greater accountability following the rollout of the Teacher Registration and Licensing System (TRLS) by the Botswana Teaching Professionals Council (BOTEPCO).
The digital system, which allows teachers to apply online for professional registration and licensing, was officially launched on 21st October, 2025 by the Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Honourable Kebuang Nono Kgafela-Mokoka, as part of BOTEPCO’s mandate to professionalise the teaching fraternity.
Speaking at the launch of teacher registration and licensing, the Honourable Minister, Ms Nono KgafelaMokoka emphasised the importance of professional regulation in strengthening the credibility and status of the teaching profession in Botswana. “The exercise is meant to elevate the standard of teaching through digitalization and professional regulation. Today marks an important milestone in ensuring that teaching is recognized and practised as a fully professionalized career,” the Minister said.
According to figures released by BOTEPCO, a total of 9,484 teachers have already submitted applications through the TRLS platform as of 10th March, 2026, reflecting a strong response from teachers across the country. So far 1,852 teachers have successfully received teaching licences, officially authorising them to practise as registered professionals.
In addition, 1,500 applications have already been assessed and approved, pending payment of the annual membership fee of P50 for local teachers and P150 for foreign teachers.
Once payment is completed, the number of licensed teachers will increase to 3,352.
Out of the 9,484 applications submitted, 1,522 applications were rejected, largely due to incomplete submissions, incorrect documentation or mismatched qualifications. Meanwhile 4,610 applications remain under detailed screening and verification, as BOTEPCO officials assess credentials and supporting documentation to ensure compliance with professional standards, and whereas a significant number have been returned in order for applicants to upload requisite documents.
Speaking to this publication, BOTEPCO Manager for Corporate Affairs, Ms Mercy Rebaone Thebe, said the rigorous verification process is necessary to safeguard the credibility of the profession.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that every licence issued represents a teacher who meets the required professional standards. The screening process helps maintain the integrity of the profession and protects the quality of education delivered to learners,” she said.
Asked whether BOTEPCO is aware of internet connectivity challenges experienced by some teachers in rural parts of the country, Ms Thebe acknowledged that the issue has been raised by several educators.
“As much as the system is digital, we are not aloof to the realities that teachers face in some areas where connectivity may be intermittent,” she said.” Thebe explained that this understanding informed the Council’s decision to adopt a developmental and supportive approach to the registration process.
“We are applying change management principles because this is a transition for the profession. Our aim is to guide teachers toward full professional registration while ensuring that the process remains fair, accessible and supportive,” she said.
Ms Thebe also applauded teachers who have already completed the registration process and obtained their teaching licences stating, “we commend those educators who have already obtained their licences. They are the torchbearers of our generation, demonstrating leadership and commitment to strengthening the professionalism of teaching in Botswana,” she said.
At the same time, she encouraged teachers whose applications are pending or were rejected to carefully review the submission requirements and upload the correct documentation so that their applications can be processed.
Teachers whose applications have already been approved were also urged to complete the membership payment process so that their licences can be issued without delay.
“A teaching licence is more than just a document. It is a professional badge that reflects a teacher’s commitment to ethical practice, professionalism and the delivery of quality education,” Ms Thebe said.
To further accelerate progress, BOTEPCO has developed a strategic implementation plan aimed at strengthening stakeholder engagement, increasing awareness among educators and supporting teachers throughout the registration process.
With thousands of teachers already engaging with the system within a relatively short period after its launch, the TRLS initiative represents an important milestone in Botswana’s journey toward a fully professionalised teaching workforce committed to delivering quality education across the country
