20 May 2018

Vice President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane has emphasised the role played by technology in rural area development.

Speaking at the World Telecommunications and Information Society Day (WTISD) in Mohembo recently, Mr Tsogwane said Internet connectivity and accessibility in rural areas such as Mohembo was a sign of development.

He said government recognised the significance of ICT, particularly its impact in transforming the lives of Batswana for the better.

Mr Tsogwane said Botswana has taken a stand to be part of the global ICT community hence its affiliation with organisations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which is a UN agency responsible for issues pertaining to information and communication technologies.

He also noted that WTISD, which was commemorated annually, has had a positive impact in transforming Botswana, especially by bridging the digital divide in rural areas.

“Through WTISD we have seen service providers bringing access and connectivity to the disadvantaged communities where provision of ICT products and services has been considered to be unsustainable. This was made possible by collaboration between government and the private sector,” said Mr Tsogwane.

This year's theme was: Enabling the positive use of artificial intelligence for all, which the Vice President said it was important as it focused on the potential of artificial intelligence in enabling and accelerating the UN’s sustainable development goals through ICT-enabled solutions and applications.

Furthermore, Mr Tsogwane said by leveraging on relevant national and regional strategies and initiatives, artificial intelligence had the potential to contribute to the growth of the national economy.

He noted that the emerging of AI technologies was a welcome development that communities could benefit from.

He said AI-based technologies were being used to help people live better lives by improving health care, education, finance, agriculture, transportation and a wide range of other services.

The Ministry of Transport and Communications launched an interactive information kiosk in Mohembo.

The computer terminal features specialised hardware and software that provides access to information and applications for communication, commerce, entertainment and education.

With the machine, Mr Tsogwane said locals, visitors and tourists would have access to relevant information about the area, including available opportunities, hence promoting the region and exposing the country to foreign direct investment.

“Schools can take advantage and have students learn from this equipment as well. With such a transformation, lies opportunities for poverty eradication, employment creation and youth empowerment,” he said.

In addition to the kiosk, there were other ICT products and services that were donated to schools, clinics and kgotlas across the seven villages of Samochima, Shakawe, Mohembo, Kauxwi, Xhakao, Sekondomboro and Ngarange. ENDS