09 Jul 2026

Recognising and celebrating local innovators can accelerate the country’s digital transformation and strengthen its position in the digital economy.

Delivering the keynote address at the launch of the 2026 National ICT Summit and Awards nomination process, Cavista Technologies Botswana general manager Ms Katlego Arnone said Botswana was at a pivotal moment in its digital journey and should position itself as an active creator of technology rather than merely a consumer.

Ms Arnone said Africa was increasingly shaping its own technological future through innovation, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, adding that the continent had an opportunity to develop home-grown digital solutions capable of addressing local and global challenges.

She said innovation was driven by individuals who were willing to take risks, think differently and challenge conventional ways of doing things, noting that while technology and digital infrastructure were important, it was people who ultimately transformed nations through their ideas and creativity.

Ms Arnone further stressed the importance of recognising innovators while they were still alive, saying celebrating excellence inspired future generations and encouraged more people to contribute to Botswana›s growing digital economy.

Launching the nomination process, Botswana Information Technology Society (BITS) president Mr Tshepo Bathai encouraged individuals and organisations to nominate deserving candidates or submit nominations for themselves for the national ICT awards.

Mr Bathai said the launch marked another milestone for the initiative, following the inaugural summit and awards launch last year. He said the awards recognised individuals and organisations making significant contributions to Botswana›s digital transformation.

He further said digitisation was central to the successful implementation of the P358 billion National Development Plan (NDP)12, underscoring the critical role the ICT sector would play in Botswana’s economic and social development.

He added that BITS continued to engage government on the regulation of the ICT profession to strengthen professional standards and support the sector›s continued growth. He also invited companies and organisations to partner with BITS by sponsoring the awards, saying private sector support would contribute to recognising excellence and promoting innovation across the country’s ICT industry.

Meanwhile, chairperson of the ICT awards adjudication committee, Mr Noble Katse explained that the awards featured 11 categories organised under four streams: Innovation and Digital Transformation; Entrepreneurship and Start-ups; Education and Capacity Building; and Inclusion, Diversity and Leadership.

The awards, billed for November 6, will recognise excellence in areas including digital transformation, entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, education, women and youth in ICT, media excellence and lifetime achievement.Nominations are now open and will close on the date announced by the organisers. ENDS