05 Feb 2024

A development budget of P1.83 billion has been proposed to accelerate the implementation of programmes and projects geared towards innovation and digital transformation.

Minister of Finance, Ms Peggy Serame said when delivering the budget speech in Gaborone yesterday, noting that the budget would be expended through the Digital Transformation Strategy for Botswana, which was spearheaded by SmartBots.

In addition, she said implementation of the village Connectivity Programme Phase 2 and 3, which was planned for completion this year, would spill over to financial year 2024/2025.

Minister Serame further said preparation for the implementation of Phase 4 projects targeting more than 301 villages was progressing well with commencement planned for April 2024 and completion expected in the same financial year.

She said government remained committed to putting services online to facilitate businesses as stated in the second Transitional National Development Plan.

“To this end, 170 online services, included but not limited to licences and permit applications, social services, private security services, marriage services, social services, youth services and police services have been launched,” he said.

She said in addition, a cumulative total of 400 online services were expected to be completed by the end of 2025/2026 financial year. Ends