07 May 2025

The European Union (EU) project to support digital transformation in Botswana is more than a technological endeavour, but also an affirmation of Botswana’s shared vision with the EU.

Speaking at the project launch yesterday, Minister for State President, Mr Moeti Mohwasa said the shared vision was also to create an inclusive, connected and knowledge-driven society.

He said the foundation of the initiative was rooted in their National Digital Transformation Strategy, SmartBots.

Mr Mohwasa said it was a blueprint that aimed to lay the foundation to drive digital transformation across government, the economy and the society at large.

Also, he said it was to bridge the digital divide and ensure that every citizen from rural villages to urban centres had access to affordable, reliable digital service.

The minister said SmartBots was aligned to help drive aspirations to transform Botswana from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy and a high income country by 2026, as espoused in the National Vision 2036.

“SmartBots represents our commitment and value proposition to staying ahead in an increasingly digital world,” he said.

In that regard, Mr Mohwasa said the launch of the project signified a critical leap forward in delivering digital infrastructure and services that would empower Batswana with new opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and civic engagement.

“Through the deployment of high speed Internet across hundreds of the underserved communities, we will unlock the creative and economic potential of our people,” he said.

EU Ambassador, Ms Petra Pereyra said their partnerships with Botswana had grown overtime, adding that they also work together on other projects such as new able energy and eco-tourism and agriculture.

“Botswana has the potential to become a leading centre for digital, innovation, and skills development in SADC and across Africa,” she said.

Meanwhile a press release from EU says Botswana’s journey to become Africa's digital champion gets major support as the EU launched a new partnership under its Global Gateway strategy, bringing European expertise to boost Botswana's digital transformation.

It says the collaboration, totalling P67.7 million and additional French contribution of P231 000 would help transform Botswana into a knowledge-based economy through cutting-edge digital solutions. ENDS