The University of Botswana is proposing to introduce an undergraduate degree program in Industrial Design. It is inevitable that a new program must have local relevance while not loosing touch with the global realities. This paper discusses the need for the course, the proposed program structure and its rationale within Botswana’s social, economic and industrial setting. 

The submission discusses global factors that were considered in designing the program. It also highlights the implementation plan in terms of student enrolment and their exits profile, staff, resources both existing and projected, and industry collaboration.

The article would be of use to policy makers, Industrial Design academics and design professionals who would like to understand how to design new courses in context. The paper arrives at an inevitable conclusion that the aim of the program is to produce designers who will operate efficiently within Botswana’s peculiar environment.