07 Dec 2015

The ICT sector remains a functional prerequisite for fostering economic growth and diversification, says Botswana Fiber Networks (BOFINET) representative, Mr Thato Jensen.

Mr Jensen was presenting on BOFINET on ICT support for rural areas during the Shoshong constituency investment promotion show welcome dinner at Mmutlane on Friday December 4.

He said as they strive to place the economy on transit mode to become a knowledge based economy, the development of the ICT sector still remains central to the achievement of the nation strategic imperative and goal.

He explained that the mandate of BOFINET was to ensure that they improve the national network coverage and broad band penetration to bridge the rural-urban digital divide and improve socio-economic livelihoods in those localities.

He said they were also expected to facilitate the sustainable and competitive reduction of prices to ensure cost effective access to bandwidth while improving service quality and network reliability.

Mr Jensen said BOFINET has successfully completed both national backbone access network expansion projects to the tune of P300 000.

He said the projects were meant to widen broadband connectivity in the country and allow customers the breadth to provide products and services countrywide at competitive and affordable prices.

Furthermore, he said through government commitment to the planned improvements of the connectivity infrastructure, they were about to cross the Rubicon of rapid socio-economic transformation as they enter and embrace the information age.

He said they look forward to see tangible improvements in information sharing, decision making, productivity, economic growth and employment opportunities as well as global competitiveness.

Mr Jensen said as they respond to the growing spectre of unemployment,  particularly the youth, the envisaged increase in business activity would enhance job creation for the technologically savvy youth through new forms of business or investment opportunities that spin-off from connectivity and broadband related activities.

He urged the youth to take advantage of the opportunities and to take the lead in ushering this into the new world.

He said BOFINET continues to support government’s effort at embedding citizen economic empowerment as part of the broader effort of developing a vibrant and sustainable private sector in the country.  ENDS