Gaborone, Botswana — Innovation Botswana Day 2024 has successfully concluded, positioning Botswana as a pivotal player in the digital transformation environment, both regionally and globally. The event, hosted by the Botswana Digital & Innovation Hub (BDIH), brought together thought leaders, industry experts, government officials, and innovators to explore the future of technology, digital infrastructure, and fintech in Botswana. With a clear focus on unlocking Botswana’s full potential as a tech-driven economy, the event served as a critical platform for collaboration, driving innovation, and highlighting the role of digital connectivity in propelling economic growth.
The theme focused on bridging gaps to build a more connected and digitally advanced economy, the day featured a series of panel discussions, keynote speeches, and interactive exhibitions that highlighted the country’s digital aspirations. Honorable Minister David Tshere, in his opening address, outlined a vision for Botswana that goes beyond being a passive participant in the digital economy. “Imagine a future where thousands of tech-driven companies offering cutting-edge solutions are headquartered in Botswana. This is the Botswana we envision—a thriving hub of innovation and technology,” Minister Tshere said, underscoring the government’s commitment to building an enabling environment for both local and international tech companies.
The Botswana government has made its intent clear on positioning itself as a leader in the region’s digital transformation efforts, with the government playing a key role in supporting infrastructure development and regulatory frameworks that encourage growth in the technology and innovation sectors.
One of the core themes of the event was the need for next-generation digital infrastructure. In a session moderated by Oabona Kgengwenyane, industry experts from telecommunications and regulatory bodies discussed how improved connectivity could be the catalyst for unlocking new economic opportunities in Botswana.
Boikarabelo Ramaretlwa, Head of Technology Planning at BOFINET, spoke on the importance of striking a balance between cost efficiency and user experience when deploying new infrastructure. “The goal is not just to build fast networks, but to build sustainable, reliable systems that businesses and individuals can depend on for the long term,” he noted. His comments reflect the pressing need for cost-effective yet resilient infrastructure that can support a growing digital economy.
A key feature of Innovation Botswana Day was the Mascom Boost-Up Pitch Sessions, which gave startups from Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and South Africa an opportunity to present their solutions to investors, mentors, and other key players in the innovation ecosystem. These startups, had undergone an intensive bootcamp in preparation for the event, showcased a wide range of innovative solutions—from fintech applications to tech-driven social impact projects.
These pitch sessions are particularly significant in Botswana’s evolving startup network, where access to funding and mentorship is still a major barrier for many entrepreneurs. The event served as a reminder that developing a dynamic and competitive startup environment is crucial to Botswana’s aspirations of becoming a leading digital economy.
In a bid to inspire and equip the next generation of innovators, the Student Village, which brought together primary, junior and secondary school students—sponsored by Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) and supported by UNICEF Botswana and the Ministry of Education—provided a hub for creativity and technology exploration. The space offered interactive workshops, engaging tech games, and hands-on activities designed to ignite curiosity and develop the digital skills needed to shape Botswana’s future economy.
Looking ahead, Botswana’s digital transformation plans need government leaders, businesses, and innovators to work together to unlock new opportunities in technology and innovation. Botswana’s journey toward a more connected, inclusive, and digitally advanced economy is well underway.
