22 Jul 2026

Minister of Communications and Innovation, Mr David Tshere, has warned that the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) poses growing risks to children, including exposure to harmful advice and overreliance on AI-powered chatbots.

Speaking during the handover of a digital centre at Sankoyo Primary School recently, Mr Tshere said there was increasing global concern that some AI systems were providing harmful responses, including advising vulnerable children to commit suicide as a solution to personal challenges.

He said many countries had expressed concern that advances in AI were outpacing child protection measures, exposing children to risks that could negatively affect their cognitive development through excessive dependence on chatbots for answers.

Mr Tshere noted that governments around the world were calling for stronger AI governance to balance rapid technological innovation with safeguards for human rights, data privacy and ethical standards.

“There is a growing call to regulate AI because we believe those who develop these technologies should be held accountable. AI has become harmful in some instances by encouraging children to commit suicide as a way of overcoming their challenges," he said.

He urged technology users to embrace digital tools productively, responsibly and ethically.

Mr Tshere also commended First Lady Ms Kaone Boko for her leadership in helping bridge the digital divide, particularly in rural communities, as Botswana advances towards becoming a knowledge-based, digital-first economy.

He recalled that last year, the First Lady handed over a refurbished science laboratory at Dikgatlho Junior Secondary School in Kudumatse to improve learning and reduce inequalities in access to quality educational facilities.

He said her initiatives continued to inspire the ministry to expand information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and services across the country to ensure that no community was left behind.

“We are driving an ambitious national strategy to transform Botswana into a knowledge-based, digital-first economy, and we appreciate the support of the First Lady, who continues to champion the empowerment and inclusion of girls in ICT,” he said.

Mr Tshere said government had introduced initiatives aimed at increasing the participation of girls and women in the ICT sector, including reforms designed to encourage more young women to occupy executive positions within the industry.

He observed that women remained underrepresented in senior ICT positions, partly because existing recruitment strategies had not been effective in attracting and retaining ICT professionals.

Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Ms Lesego Chombo, who also attended the event, welcomed the establishment of the digital centre, describing it as a demonstration of government's commitment to ensuring equitable access to technology regardless of geographical location.

She said the facility would improve teaching and learning, provide residents with access to government services online, and equip the community with essential digital skills.

"This investment demonstrates that true inclusion means ensuring children in rural communities have the same opportunities to innovate, create and compete as children anywhere else in the world," she said. ENDS