BA ISAGO University
BA ISAGO University is a BQA-accredited, ISO 9001:2015-certified private university in Botswana operating three campuses (Gaborone, Francistown, Maun), serving roughly 3,000-4,000 students through 80+ academic programmes plus 45+ CPDC short courses, with revenue from tuition, DTEF government sponsorship, corporate training and professional qualifications.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2001
- HeadquartersGaborone, Botswana
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What BA ISAGO University does
BA ISAGO University is a private higher education institution in Botswana, founded by the Gabasiane family, operating three campuses in Gaborone, Francistown and Maun and serving approximately 3,000-4,000 students. Academic delivery spans four faculties and a graduate school with 80+ programmes, alongside the Centre for Professional Development and Corporate (CPDC) division offering 45+ accredited short programmes. The institution holds BQA accreditation, HRDC recognition, ISO 9001:2015 certification, and full university status granted in June 2015, and operates an International Affairs Office targeting cross-border student recruitment.
The institution's operating platform comprises an Astria Learning Learning Management System, a student portal and a digital library licensed from EBSCO, IEEE and JSTOR. Applied and research infrastructure includes a Research & Innovation Hub (2022) covering artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software development, biomedical engineering and renewable energy; a Climate Change and Entrepreneurship Centre co-established with UNEP (2022-10); and a Centre for Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Empowerment (2025-09). Credential partnerships with ACCA, ICDL and CIMA integrate professional qualifications into the academic pathway, and the institution operates across a multi-node distributed campus footprint supported by recent land acquisitions (28 hectares in Francistown, 11 hectares in Maun) and a P430M Phase II capital development at the Block 7 Gaborone campus.
The revenue model is tuition-led, combining direct student fees with Department of Tertiary Education Financing (DTEF) government sponsorship pass-through for sponsored students, supplemented by CPDC corporate-training revenue (enabled by BQA/HRDC accreditation and employer training-levy access), application fees and ACCA/ICDL/CIMA professional-qualification income. Customer segments include domestic undergraduates, postgraduates, corporate trainees and an emerging international student cohort. Strategic direction is capacity-led expansion: a stated 10% annual student-growth target toward 4,819 students by 2027, executed through multi-campus land banking and the P430M infrastructure programme.
BA ISAGO University firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- BA ISAGO University
- Legal name
- BA ISAGO University
- Website
- https://baisago.ac.bw
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2001
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- BA ISAGO University is a BQA-accredited, ISO 9001:2015-certified private university in Botswana operating three campuses (Gaborone, Francistown, Maun), serving roughly 3,000-4,000 students through 80+ academic programmes plus 45+ CPDC short courses, with revenue from tuition, DTEF government sponsorship, corporate training and professional qualifications.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
BA ISAGO University industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Higher Education
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Business and Secretarial Schools (61141)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Undergraduate Business Schools (BBA/BSBA Programs) (EDAHAHAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Professional & Executive Short Courses (Non-Degree, International) (EDAIAIAH), Short-Term Certificate & Micro-Credential Programs (International) (EDAIAIAI), Online International & Cross-Border Universities (Global/Transnational Providers) (EDAHALAL)
Keywords
Where BA ISAGO University is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Gaborone
- HQ country
- Botswana
- HQ region
- Africa
Offices3 records
Markets served
BA ISAGO University business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Tuition and Academic Fees: Primary revenue stream from tuition fees charged across undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programmes. Fee schedules are published annually (2023/24 University Fee Schedule). Students pay tuition through online payments, bank deposits, or credit card. Self-sponsored students must pay full deposit before registration.
- Government Sponsorship (DTEF): Revenue from Botswana government sponsorship through the Department of Tertiary Education and Financing (DTEF). Government sponsors students meeting cut-off requirements (minimum 36 points). Sponsorship covers tuition for qualifying students.
- Professional Development and Short Courses: Revenue from Centre for Professional Development and Consultancy (CPDC) offering over 45 short-term training programmes across business, health, law, IT, education, and physical planning disciplines. Programmes are accredited by BQA and HRDC, allowing organisations to access training levy.
- Application and Administrative Fees: One-time fees including P150 non-refundable application fee, exemption fees (P750 for Industrial Attachment, P300 per module), P1,500 immigration/study permit fee, and P70 ID card replacement fee.
- Professional Qualification Programmes: Revenue from professional qualification partnerships including ACCA, ICDL, and Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) programmes that provide recognised professional certifications.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Application fee for all applicants |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Exemption and credit transfer fees |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | International student immigration fee |
| Subscription | Annual | Tuition fees by programme level |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | CPDC short programme fees |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
BA ISAGO University product offering
Product offeringCore offering
BA ISAGO University is a private tertiary education institution offering undergraduate degrees, postgraduate degrees (Master's and PhD), diplomas, and certificates across four faculties: Commerce, Education, Law & Para-Legal Studies, and Built Environment, Arts & Science. It also delivers 45+ short-term professional development courses through the Centre for Professional Development and Consultancy (CPDC), and specialised training through the Centres for Climate Change & Entrepreneurship and Gender-Based Violence Prevention & Empowerment. Students are served across three campuses in Gaborone, Francistown, and Maun, supported by an online learning platform and digital library.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Faculty of Commerce Academic Programmes Undergraduate and postgraduate degree, diploma, and certificate programmes in commerce disciplines including professional qualification pathways with ACCA, ICDL, BICA, and CIMA. Designed for students pursuing careers in accounting, business, and management.
- Faculty of Education Academic Programmes Teacher education programmes and continuous professional development for current and aspiring teachers. Supports over 2,000 teachers upgrading from Primary Teachers' Certificate to NPDE. Offers qualification upgrades and BQA-aligned certifications.
- Faculty of Law and Para-Legal Studies Programmes Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in law and para-legal studies designed for students pursuing legal careers or para-professional roles in Botswana's legal sector.
- Faculty of the Built Environment, Arts and Science Programmes Academic programmes in built environment, arts, and science disciplines, including housing the Climate Change and Entrepreneurship Centre (CCEC). Designed for students pursuing careers in environmental science, urban planning, and related disciplines.
- School of Graduate Studies and Research Programmes Master's degrees, PhD programmes, and postgraduate diplomas across all faculties, with flexible delivery modes (full-time, part-time, block release, evening, online) for working professionals. Coordinates all postgraduate offerings and research activities.
- Centre for Professional Development and Consultancy (CPDC) Short Courses Over 45 short-term training programmes across business, health, law, IT, education, and physical planning disciplines. Programmes are BQA and HRDC accredited, allowing organisations to access training levy. Delivered as in-house or outbound training to corporate organisations, government, parastatals, NGOs, and private individuals.
- Centre for Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Empowerment Programmes Specialised centre offering Master of Arts in Gender Based Violence and Short Course on Understanding Gender-Based Violence. Three-pronged mandate covering Education and Training Programmes, Research, and Community Outreach and Advocacy. Both programmes approved by BQA and HRDC.
- Centre for Climate Change and Entrepreneurship (CCEC) Programmes The first Climate Change and Entrepreneurship Centre in Sub-Saharan Africa, established in collaboration with UNEP. Focuses on research and training in climate action entrepreneurship, boosting university research output through workshops and short courses for professional development in Climate Change.
- Professional Qualification Programmes (ACCA/ICDL/BICA/CIMA) Professional qualification programmes offered through strategic partnerships with ACCA, ICDL, BICA, and CIMA. Provide globally recognised certifications in accounting, computer literacy, and management accounting pathways.
Quantifiable outcome
- Target: 10% annual student growth from 2,992 to 4,819+ by 2027
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use BA ISAGO University
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
BA ISAGO University technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
Feature3 records
BA ISAGO University partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)coreCollaboration on Climate Change and Entrepreneurship Centre (CCEC), the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa. UNEP supports research, training, and workshops on climate action entrepreneurship. UNDP Resident Representative participates in centre activities.
- National University of Science and Technology (NUST) ZimbabwecoreRegional academic partnership enabling student exchanges, joint degree programmes, and credit transfers between institutions. Students can earn accredited certifications from both BA ISAGO and NUST.
- ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)coreProfessional qualification partnership offering ACCA programmes that provide globally recognised accounting certifications. Students gain access to professional qualification pathways.
- ICDL (International Computer Driving Licence)corePartnership providing ICDL computer literacy certification programmes recognised internationally for digital competence standards.
- UNISA Graduate School of Business Leadership (SBL)corePartnership with University of South Africa's Graduate School of Business Leadership enabling comprehensive learning pathways and recognised professional qualifications.
- UNISA Centre for Business Management (CBM)coreAcademic collaboration with UNISA's Centre for Business Management providing additional qualification pathways and credit transfer options.
- Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA)coreProfessional qualification partnership enabling students to pursue chartered accountancy qualifications recognised in Botswana and internationally.
- Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA)coreNational regulatory body that accredits and registers all BA ISAGO academic programmes, ensuring compliance with national qualification standards.
- Human Resources Development Council (HRDC)coreNational body providing institutional accreditation and programme approval. HRDC accreditation enables organisations to access training levy for CPDC programmes.
- Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS)coreAwards ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System certification to BA ISAGO, confirming the university's QMS meets internationally recognised standards.
- Astria LearningcoreTechnology platform partnership powering BA ISAGO's online learning (elearning.baisago.ac.bw) and student portal systems. Provides SSO, student management, and e-learning infrastructure.
- CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)coreProfessional qualification partnership providing pathways to CIMA certification, a globally recognised management accounting qualification.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves13 records
Expansion highlights5 records
BA ISAGO University competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Botho University: Botho University is the largest private university in Botswana with multiple campuses and a broader cross-border footprint (Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, South Africa). It directly competes with BA ISAGO for BQA-accredited degree programmes, government-sponsored students, and corporate training. Comparable in mission (private, multi-faculty, employer-aligned curriculum) but considerably larger in scale.
- Botswana Accountancy College (BAC): BAC is a private sector-focused college in Gaborone offering ACCA, CIMA, and BICA-aligned programmes alongside undergraduate degrees. Directly competes with BA ISAGO's Faculty of Commerce and on professional qualifications pathways. Highly comparable on BQA accreditation, accountancy focus, and corporate client base.
- Gaborone University College of Law and Professional Studies (GUC): GUC is a private higher education institution in Gaborone offering law, business, and professional programmes. Directly competes with BA ISAGO for law and commerce students and shares the same BQA/HRDC regulatory environment. Smaller and more specialised than BA ISAGO but a close direct peer in the Gaborone private-tertiary market.
- Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (Botswana campus): Limkokwing is a global private university with a Gaborone campus that competes for the same pool of BQA-sponsored and self-paying students. Overlaps with BA ISAGO on multi-disciplinary degree programmes, international student recruitment, and industry partnerships. Comparable in private status and Botswana footprint but differentiates on creative technology focus.
Broad incumbents
- University of Botswana: University of Botswana is the largest public university in the country and the primary competitor for degree-seeking students, including DTEF-sponsored applicants. Overlaps broadly across all four BA ISAGO faculties (Commerce, Education, Law, Built Environment) and offers substantially lower tuition. A broad incumbent rather than a direct peer given differentiation in private/employer-responsive positioning.
- Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST): BIUST is a public research-intensive university in Palapye, Botswana, focused on science, engineering, and technology. Overlaps with BA ISAGO's Faculty of the Built Environment, Arts and Science and competes for top DTEF-sponsored students. A broader incumbent operating at a different cost and scale tier.
Regional players
- New Era College of Arts, Science and Technology: New Era is a private college in Gaborone offering certificate, diploma, and degree programmes across arts, science, and technology disciplines. Overlaps with BA ISAGO on the lower end of the credential ladder (diplomas and certificates) and competes for the same DTEF-sponsored pool. A smaller, more vocational peer.
- Institute of Development Management (IDM): IDM is a regional management development institute with presence in Botswana, Lesotho, and Eswatini offering business and management training. Overlaps with BA ISAGO's CPDC short-course portfolio and corporate training market. A regional peer focused on professional development rather than full degree programmes.
- ABM University College: ABM University College is a faith-based private higher education institution in Botswana offering business, education, and theology programmes. Comparable in mission (BQA-accredited private institution targeting sponsored students) but smaller and more religiously positioned. A regional private-sector peer with overlapping student demographics.
Emerging players
- University of South Africa (UNISA): UNISA is Africa's largest open-distance e-learning university and an active BA ISAGO partner via SBL and CBM. While not a direct competitor on campus-based programmes, UNISA competes for working professionals and SADC-region students seeking flexible, accredited qualifications. Relevant as a partner and partial substitute for online offerings.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
BA ISAGO University social profiles
Digital presenceBA ISAGO University financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
BA ISAGO University leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles35 records
BA ISAGO University funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
BA ISAGO University M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about BA ISAGO University
What does BA ISAGO University do?
BA ISAGO University is a private tertiary education institution offering undergraduate degrees, postgraduate degrees (Master's and PhD), diplomas, and certificates across four faculties: Commerce, Education, Law & Para-Legal Studies, and Built Environment, Arts & Science. It also delivers 45+ short-term professional development courses through the Centre for Professional Development and Consultancy (CPDC), and specialised training through the Centres for Climate Change & Entrepreneurship and Gender-Based Violence Prevention & Empowerment. Students are served across three campuses in Gaborone, Francistown, and Maun, supported by an online learning platform and digital library.
Is BA ISAGO University a public or private company?
BA ISAGO University is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was BA ISAGO University founded?
BA ISAGO University was founded in 2001. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is BA ISAGO University based?
BA ISAGO University is headquartered in Gaborone, Botswana, in the Africa region.
How does BA ISAGO University make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Tuition and Academic Fees are the primary driver. The others are government Sponsorship (DTEF), professional Development and Short Courses, application and Administrative Fees and professional Qualification Programmes.
Who are BA ISAGO University's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Botho University, Botswana Accountancy College (BAC), Gaborone University College of Law and Professional Studies (GUC) and Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (Botswana campus). Broad incumbents are University of Botswana and Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST). Regional players are New Era College of Arts, Science and Technology, Institute of Development Management (IDM) and ABM University College. University of South Africa (UNISA) is listed as an emerging player.
Does BA ISAGO University have an API?
No public API is recorded for BA ISAGO University.
What industry is BA ISAGO University in?
BA ISAGO University's product category is Higher Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHAHAA, Undergraduate Business Schools (BBA/BSBA Programs), with a secondary code of EDAIAIAH, Professional & Executive Short Courses (Non-Degree, International). Its NAICS code is 6113 and its SIC code is 8200.