The Minister of Finance of Botswana, Peggy Serame, announced that the persistent technical issues with the Government Accounting and Budgeting System (GABS) are expected to be resolved by the end of March, with the implementation of long-term solutions such as the purchase of two Oracle Supercluster servers. Serame also highlighted the introduction of a Call Centre for customer assistance and the successful rollout of electronic payslips to government employees as part of the country's transition to a knowledge-based economy. The 2024/2025 development budget for computerization and digital transformation is set at P48 739 941.

Chobe Holdings, listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange, is still facing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting its aviation businesses and local travel demand. CEO John Gibson reported manufacturing constraints and reduced local travel, despite international luxury travel demand. The company is investing in its core businesses, including a rebuild of Savute Safari Lodge, a new Cessna 208EX Caravan, and solar plant enhancements, with total additions of approximately P65 million.

The Lumwana copper mine's Super Pit expansion project, developed by Barrick, is expected to begin production in 2028, with an estimated cost of nearly $2 billion. The project aims to transform Lumwana into a major copper mine with an annual production of approximately 240,000 tonnes over a 30-year lifespan, contributing to the Zambian government's 10-year plan to revive the copper industry. Since 2019, Lumwana has contributed almost $3 billion to Zambia's economy and has launched a Business Accelerator Program to support local contractors. Barrick's REDD+ initiative is set to benefit host communities through conservation efforts.

The Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) has partnered with South African company Risks Insights (RI) to offer AI-powered platforms for generating ESG ratings, insights, and analytics. BSE CEO Thapelo Tsheole believes this will enhance the country's commitment to sustainable business practices. The collaboration will utilize RI's ESG GPS and A-Cubed platforms to provide ESG ratings and analytics for both listed and unlisted companies, aiming to improve ESG disclosure and facilitate informed decision-making for various stakeholders.

First Quantum Minerals (FQM) significantly contributed to Zambia's government revenue from the extractive sector in 2019, with its subsidiaries Kansanshi Mining Plc and Kalumbila Minerals Ltd paying K5.7 billion and K2.6 billion respectively. FQM's total contribution represented 51% of the sector's revenue. The Zambia Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (ZEITI) report highlighted FQM's commitment to transparency and minimal reconciliation differences. FQM's Zambia Country Manager, General Kingsley Chinkuli, emphasized the company's dedication to paying taxes and generating local benefits, while the extractive sector overall contributed 9.9% to GDP and 77% to exports.

Orange Botswana has inaugurated a $5.2 million tier 3 data centre at the Botswana Digital Innovation Hub, aimed at fostering technological advancement and digital inclusion. Brelotte Ba, deputy CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, emphasized the centre's role in driving economic growth and providing advanced services. CEO Nene Maiga highlighted the centre's modern features and its potential to support businesses with cloud solutions and 5G connectivity. The initiative aligns with Botswana's Vision 2036 for sustainable economic development, as noted by Minister Thulagano Segokgo.

Huawei has launched an ICT Academy in Botswana to address the skills gap in the country's ICT industry. The initiative, in collaboration with local universities and colleges, aims to promote telecom technology awareness and cultivate ICT talent. David Zhang, managing director of Huawei Technologies Botswana, emphasized the importance of global leaders collaborating with educational institutions for skills transfer. The programme has registered four universities and enrolled 25 students this year. Tumiso Rakgare, the minister of youth empowerment, sport, and culture development, highlighted the collective effort in technology development and urged Huawei to consider ethical implications in their operations.

Leadership at the Botswana Digital Innovation Hub (BDIH) has emphasized the need for the country's private sector to take control of cybersecurity, warning against outsourcing data protection services. Acting CEO Tshepo Tsheko highlighted the importance of local innovation and collaboration with Business Botswana (BB) to enhance cybersecurity and data protection. The partnership aims to connect the private sector with innovators to develop local talent and capacity. The initiative aligns with Botswana's recent efforts to strengthen data protection through the 2018 Data Protection Act and the establishment of a governing Commission.

Botswana Telecoms Corporation (BTC) is accelerating the deployment of fibre networks in response to increased copper theft, which has disrupted service quality. The company is investing in high-speed mobile, radio, and fibre networks, completing fibre projects in several cities, and migrating customers from copper to fibre. BTC aims to cover 80% of its customer base by 2024 and 100% by 2025. Despite recording revenue of $103.8 million, BTC's profitability was pressured by restructuring costs and the high cost of replacing stolen copper cables. The company is focusing on alternative technologies to mitigate the impact of copper theft.

Cresta Marakanelo in Botswana is accelerating its digital transformation by installing digital locks across its hotels to enhance security and convenience for guests. The initiative, which replaces the traditional card system, allows guests to check in and out using mobile devices. The project, piloted at Cresta Thapama in Francistown, aims to be fully implemented by 2024, aligning with the company's move towards more environmentally friendly, paperless operations. Additionally, Cresta is deploying an advanced hotel management system to analyze guest trends and preferences.

Botswana's government, through the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA), is preparing to transition from IPv4 to IPv6 to enhance digitalisation and support its Vision 2036 of becoming a high-income, knowledge-based economy. The Botswana Digital Transformation Strategy backs this initiative, aiming for a smart and sustainable society. BOCRA spokesperson Aaron Nyelesi emphasized the urgency of the migration, noting that Botswana lags in IPv6 deployment. A migration strategy has been developed, with a goal to fully convert by 2030, and an IPv6 task group will be established to oversee the national adoption plan. Internet service providers will need to align with the taskforce roadmap and submit their strategies to the regulator.

Orange Botswana's annual Orange Social Venture competition aims to foster innovative thinking among start-ups and encourage scalable growth, addressing gaps in the country's innovation space. CEO Nene Maiga highlighted the initiative's alignment with UN SDGs and its role in promoting sustainable economic growth. Despite the positive outlook, Intellegere Holdings Director Itumeleng Garebatshabe noted a lukewarm local response and a lack of global market targeting by local innovators. The competition's international phase will feature 51 national winners from 17 Orange businesses across Africa and the Middle East.

Botswana's Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA) has intensified its crackdown on unregistered crypto dealers, directing FS Global Properties Limited Botswana to cease operations for violating the Virtual Assets Act. The Act, effective since February 2022, mandates that Virtual Assets Service Provision (VASP) businesses must be licensed. NBFIRA's acting CEO, Ditshetsa Makepe, and spokesperson, Boa Ntebele, emphasized the importance of regulatory compliance to maintain industry confidence and warned the public against engaging with unlicensed entities. Penalties for non-compliance include hefty fines and imprisonment.

Botswana's Jwaneng Mine, a subsidiary of Debswana, has partnered with Huawei to implement a 5G smart mining project aimed at enhancing real-time data collection for improved safety and efficiency. The project, which builds on a previous 4G LTE pilot, is expected to boost productivity and position Botswana as a leader in high-tech mining. Key stakeholders, including Huawei's managing director in Botswana, Zhang Wei, and Debswana's head of information management, Molemisi Nelson Sechaba, emphasize the transformative potential of digitalization in the mining sector.

Botswana Telecommunications (BTC) has called on businesses to comply with Botswana's new Data Protection Act, which came into effect in October 2021. The Act mandates lawful and fair processing of personal data, with a transition period ending on 15 October 2022. BTC Chief Operations Officer Aldrin Sivako emphasized the importance of data protection in the digital age, especially with increased internet use due to COVID-19. Deputy Permanent Secretary for ICT at the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Cecil Masiga, highlighted the legislative framework ensuring the privacy of individuals' data.

Botswana is drafting a Bill to amend its Financial Intelligence Act to regulate virtual assets, following recommendations from the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group and the Financial Action Task Force. The amendments aim to ensure compliance with FATF standards ahead of the 2024 assessment. The Financial Intelligence Agency has warned of increasing cybercrime related to virtual assets, particularly cryptocurrency scams, which use social media for recruitment and promise high returns.

Botswana Innovation Development Hub (BIDH) is inviting tech entrepreneurs to apply for grants under the Botswana Innovation Fund (BIF), a Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology initiative. The call aligns with Botswana's national priorities, including digital transformation, as outlined in the Transitional National Development Plan of the 2023/2024 budget. The fund seeks innovative solutions that have completed early-stage research and require funding for development and pre-commercialization. The initiative aims to bolster Botswana's digital ecosystem and support the country's goal of achieving high-income status by 2036.

Kwa Nokeng Oil urges improvements in infrastructure, border efficiency, and security to boost Botswana's transport sector. CEO Mahube Mpungwa highlights the economic contributions of cross-border trade and the need for safety in transport. Acting Minister Thulaganyo Segokgo calls for a resilient transport and energy industry to withstand future shocks, emphasizing the sector's role in economic development. The Botswana Transport and Energy Summit and Expo 2023 brings together stakeholders to discuss integrated planning and innovative solutions for economic challenges, with a focus on sustainable urban transport.

A Corridor Trip Monitoring System (CTMS) has been successfully piloted in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and is set for rollout to other African blocs. Funded by the European Union and the German government, the system equips border agents with devices to monitor truck drivers' COVID-19 health status and compliance with regulations. The CTMS aims to reduce paperwork, speed up border procedures, and enhance trade efficiency. Key stakeholders, including SADC officials and the EU Ambassador, have praised the system's effectiveness in improving inter-regional trade and transport.

Botswana aims to become a regional digital skills hub, with ambitions to develop skilled digital human capital to drive innovation ecosystems. Minister Thulagano Segokgo outlined plans to position Botswana as a regional ICT hub, contributing significantly to GDP growth. The strategy includes investing in digital infrastructure and adopting technologies like 5G, cloud computing, AI, IoT, and big data. The minister also emphasized the importance of addressing cybersecurity threats to maintain trust and confidence in digital services.

Botswana Telecommunications Corporation has upgraded network coverage from 2G to 4G LTE in 45 villages within Botswana's Okavango and Northwest regions, aiming to enhance network performance and mobile data usage. The initiative is expected to foster innovation and economic services in educational, community, and health sectors. BTC Managing Director Anthony Masunga highlighted the company's commitment to network expansion, while Pontsho Pusotsile from the Ministry of Communication, Knowledge, and Technology and David Zhang from Huawei Technologies Botswana both emphasized the critical role of connectivity in achieving national prosperity and the importance of including rural areas in technological development.

Letshego, a Pan-African microfinance firm, is advancing its digital transformation by aiming to register one million customers on its LetsGo Digital Mall app by 2025. The company plans to process 80% of loan applications digitally within the next 24 months and is enhancing its cybersecurity measures. Letshego operates in 11 African countries and is prioritizing data management and workflow automation to improve customer service. The urgency of cybersecurity in Africa is underscored by a white paper from Kearney and a report from INTERPOL.

Orange Botswana is implementing a schools digital programme to bridge the digital divide in the country. The initiative, supported by the Orange Foundation, includes providing digital school kits to primary schools, with plans to extend to secondary schools. The kits contain tablets, projectors, servers, and other ICT equipment aimed at enhancing educational outcomes. So far, 65 primary schools have benefited, with a goal to support 100 by year-end. Lepata Mafa, Orange Botswana's director of corporate affairs, emphasized the positive impact on information retention and academic performance.

Cybersmart Botswana, in collaboration with Botswana Qualifications Authority and Core Knowledge Training & Consultants, has launched cybersecurity courses for non-IT professionals. The training, held at the Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub, aims to address the rising cybersecurity threats in Africa and the global shortage of skilled cybersecurity experts. David Moepeng from Cybersmart Botswana emphasizes the importance of equipping all workers with basic cybersecurity knowledge to protect organizations from cyberattacks.

Botswana is implementing an e-lockers program named Yarona to dispense medication for chronic diseases, including HIV treatment, to improve convenience and reduce congestion in health facilities. The program serves 2000 people monthly and is part of the country's move towards digitizing public healthcare. Health Minister Dr. Edwin Dikoloti highlighted the benefits of the e-lockers in providing flexibility for medication collection and supporting the resilience of the healthcare system against public health threats.

Botswana's government, through the Digital Transformation Coordination Office and the Ministry of Communications, Knowledge and Technology, is embracing artificial intelligence to advance the country's development. Acting coordinator Nonofo Kgaodi emphasizes the importance of AI in education and the potential for AI-driven solutions to create personalized learning experiences. The government aims to transition from being a technology receiver to a producer, investing in workforce education and training. The commitment extends to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, supporting start-ups, and the One Citizen programme, which digitizes government services and promotes a knowledge-based economy.

Zoetis has launched its digital solution LabCards in Kenya and Senegal, enhancing veterinary care and diagnostic services. The application, initially piloted in Uganda and Nigeria, facilitates efficient specimen sample management between veterinarians and lab technicians, reducing the need for multiple trips. Supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation through the A.L.P.H.A project, the initiative aims to improve livestock health and productivity. The platform has also been introduced in Zambia and Zimbabwe, with interest from Thailand. Zoetis envisions creating a comprehensive digital ecosystem for animal health information.

Fintech firm Yellow Card is driving innovation to attract more consumers into Botswana's cryptocurrency space, working with local regulatory bodies to create an enabling environment. CEO Chris Maurice highlights Botswana's strong performance and strategic advantages, including its ICT infrastructure and wealthy population. Yellow Card's Payments API, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, is positioned as a crucial tool for businesses looking to expand across Africa, offering treasury management and local payment methods. The API's ability to convert local fiat to stable coins like USDT and USDC is emphasized as a safeguard against currency volatility.

Huawei has reaffirmed its commitment to aiding Botswana in the development of ICT infrastructure, with David Zhang, MD of Huawei Botswana, announcing the company's active role in the country's ICT planning and the launch of new technology facilities. At Huawei's first Telecom Congress in Botswana, a range of network and data centre solutions were introduced, including 98 new campus network products and over 38 new data centre network products. Botswana's government, represented by acting Permanent Secretary of Communications, Knowledge and Technology Pontsho Pusoetsile, has urged the private sector to lead in closing the ICT infrastructure gap to drive the country's digital transformation.

Botswana's Aeronautical Solutions has launched the country's first locally manufactured UAV, the Shepherd V1, aimed at anti-poaching, security, and agricultural applications. Funded by the Botswana Innovation Fund and supported by the Botswana Digital & Innovation Hub, the project signifies Botswana's entry into the UAV market. The drone can operate within a 15km radius and has potential for longer distances with satellite connection. The initiative is part of a broader trend in Africa, where drones are increasingly used for security and health purposes. Aeronautical Solutions also plans to introduce a flight training program for children.

Boemo Sekgoma, the secretary general of SADC Parliamentary Forum, urged SADC lawmakers to leverage digital opportunities for development. Speaking at the African Union office in New York during the 67th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, Sekgoma announced SADC's work on a Model Law to address the digital gender gap. She emphasized the importance of digital norms to facilitate business and economic growth, and the need for legal and policy frameworks to support ICT empowerment for both genders. Sekgoma also noted the disparity in technological advancement between Africa and other continents, highlighting the lack of basic infrastructure in some African regions.

Japan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have extended technical assistance to Zimbabwe to implement the Enhanced General Data Dissemination System (e-GDDS), promoting transparency and timely publication of essential macroeconomic and financial data. The National Summary Data Page, hosted on Zimbabwe’s national Open Data Platform provided by the African Development Bank, will serve as a central publication for disseminating recommended data, facilitating access for various stakeholders and supporting sustainable economic growth. Bert Kroese of the IMF welcomed this milestone in Zimbabwe’s statistical development.

Botswana Stock Exchange-listed Letshego's mobile micro lending unit experienced a significant decline in 2022 due to Ghana's new electronic levy on mobile money transactions. The tax, aimed at enhancing domestic tax mobilization, led to a 26% decrease in Letshego's mobile loan book. The levy caused users to withdraw cash from mobile-money accounts and revert to traditional money-transfer methods, impacting companies like Letshego, MTN, and Vodafone. Despite the setback, Letshego focused on digital adoption, generating substantial revenue from its digital platform and planning further expansion in various African markets.

Botswana has launched the Cobas 5800 molecular diagnostics system from Roche Diagnostics, becoming the first SADC country to do so. This initiative, in collaboration with Orthosurge Botswana and Diagnofirm, aims to enhance molecular testing capacity and healthcare access. The system offers automation, integration, and productivity improvements, addressing both non-communicable and infectious diseases. Key stakeholders, including Dr Allan Pamba, Oremeng Motshegare, Dr Mohammed Chand, and Dr Edwin Dikoloti, emphasize the system's potential to improve healthcare outcomes and efficiency.

Botswana's Minister of Finance Peggy Serame has called on internal auditors to assess and improve the cybersecurity culture within organizations to ensure employee accountability and combat the evolving threat of cyber-attacks. During an annual conference, she emphasized the importance of digital transformation for the internal audit profession. Icho Molebatsi from the Institute of Internal Auditors Association of Botswana highlighted the need for auditors to focus on cybersecurity in risk discussions and to develop and implement a cybersecurity framework and policy.

Orange Botswana has launched the first 5G network by an Orange subsidiary in Africa, with significant implications for local e-health services. Fidelis Madondo of MRI Botswana Limited highlighted the potential for remote communities to access health services, including a telemedicine ambulance project. Monica Somolokae from the Ministry of Health Botswana noted the benefits for digital transformation and teleradiology. The 5G network will cover 30% of Botswana's population, starting with Gaborone and Francistown. Jerome Henique, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, spoke of the technology's promise for businesses and the alignment with Botswana's goal of becoming a knowledge-based economy.

Pan-African cryptocurrency exchange Yellow Card Financial has become the first company to secure a Virtual Asset Provider (VASP) licence in Botswana, issued by the Non-Bank Financial Institution Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA). This licence allows the public to conduct business with Yellow Card Financial with confidence in its legitimacy. The NBFIRA ensures that licensed entities comply with international standards, including those set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), to mitigate risks associated with virtual asset businesses. Yellow Card Financial recently raised $40 million in Series B funding to expand its operations and develop new products.

BotswanaPost has partnered with Stampsdaq Estonia OU to digitize the management of Botswana's official postage stamps using NFT technology. The CEO of BotswanaPost, Cornelius Ramatlhakwane, expressed confidence in blockchain solutions for enhancing global philately. Stampsdaq, which operates a 'collect with benefits' model for postal operators, has already onboarded La Poste de Côte d'Ivoire and Bhutan Post. Andrii Shapovalov, CEO of Stampsdaq, highlighted the potential of blockchain and NFTs to connect traditional stamp collectors with younger, tech-savvy generations. BotswanaPost's stamp collection, which began in 1966, includes over 1100 unique motifs.

The Botswana Women in Construction (BOWICO) has called on the government to effectively use data in developing smart cities to foster a night economy. The government aims to transform Francistown and Maun into smart cities, drawing inspiration from the UK, Canada, and Estonia. BOWICO's Thandeka Palai highlighted the benefits of smart cities for job creation and tourism. Deputy Permanent Secretary Halakangwa Mbulai emphasized the role of digital technology in leading the continent. Mathiba Makalo from the Botswana Innovation Hub stressed the need for smart engineering and planning, as well as adopting e-learning in communities.

Botswana's broadcasting industry lags behind global standards despite progress in digital migration, according to the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA). Acting Director Masego Jeremiah criticized local operators for their poor market performance and low adoption of digital technology. The country's digital terrestrial television switch uses the ISDB-T system, with three state-owned TV stations currently operational. Over 35,000 set-top boxes have been distributed, and 46 digital terrestrial transmitters have been rolled out across Botswana.

Orange Money Botswana is embroiled in a dispute with its distributors due to planned commission cuts, leading to service disruptions as dealers and retailers temporarily suspended Point-of-Sale services. Despite ongoing contract negotiations, the CEO of Orange Money Botswana, Seabelo Pilane, assures that services remain operational. Distributors, represented by spokesperson Sunil Jog, have unsuccessfully tried to engage with the company regarding the implications of the cuts. Mpho Saamagwe of Choppies suggested that Orange is not profiting from the mobile money platform, questioning its sustainability. Orange Money's active user base is significant, with over 30% of the country's eligible market and more than 230,000 active users for the Orange Money Visa Card.

Botswana's Kalafhi Medical Centre is advancing towards its goal of becoming a smart hospital by partnering with Ever Medical Technologies. The collaboration involves rolling out software to enhance healthcare delivery, including telemedicine, administrative apps, and a patient front-end app. Ever Medical Technologies is installing administrative software and training staff at Kalafhi Medical Centre, with plans to introduce a Health Information Exchange system, an EHR Suite, and a Digital Health Wallet secured by blockchain. The initiative aims to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and lower healthcare costs.

The University of Botswana is embracing a quintuple innovation framework to enhance online and blended e-learning, in collaboration with government and business. Vice Chancellor Prof David Norris emphasized the need for diverse knowledge creation and efficient operation in e-learning environments. The university's transformation aligns with the government's agenda to become a high-income, knowledge-based economy by 2036. Chancellor Dr Tebelelo Seretse highlighted the necessity for supportive policies and increased public-private cooperation to produce entrepreneurs, researchers, innovators, and inventors.

Orange Money Botswana has partnered with Cellulant to expand its Card-To-Wallet service, linking it to eight local banks via Cellulant's Tingg platform. This partnership aims to enhance financial inclusion and digitize payments for merchants in Botswana. Orange Money has processed over P4.5-billion in transactions since 2011, securing a 30% market share. Cellulant has been providing digital banking and value-added services in Botswana for over 11 years.

Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC) is experiencing stagnant growth in fixed voice telephony but has seen increased demand for high-speed internet services, driving the uptake of fixed broadband. The company is expanding its 4G network to boost mobile video calling and offset voice revenue losses. BTC is also deploying various fibre technologies to improve broadband services, targeting areas with existing infrastructure.

Botswana's Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital has established a Radiology Department equipped with the latest medical imaging technology, including PACS, 3 Tesla MRI, CT scans, and more. The initiative aims to provide accurate and timely diagnostic and therapeutic imaging services to both private and public sector patients. Botswana's Minister of Health, Dr Edwin Dikoloti, emphasized the importance of modernizing the healthcare system to meet changing disease trends and improve patient management. The hospital plans to introduce additional services, including radiation oncology, in the near future.

New state-owned television stations are set to launch in Botswana as the country nears full digital transmission by October. The transition, part of the Geneva 2006 Agreement, aims to enhance television service access through digital technology. John Thomas Dipowe, spokesperson for Botswana government Communications and Information Systems, announced the launch of three new channels: Btv 24 News Channel, Btv One Channel, and Btv Two Channel. The move follows the installation and testing of 45 digital transmitters nationwide. Botswana's digital transmission journey began in 2012, ultimately adopting the ISDB-T standard for its adaptability and socio-economic benefits.

Botswana's government is collaborating with UNCTAD to review its National Research, Science, Technology and Innovation Policy. Minister Thulagano Segokgo emphasized the need to align the policy with regional and international standards to support sustainable development and popularize STEM. The government aims to develop a national research agenda, encourage tech innovation for employment and revenue, and explore big data applications. August is dedicated to raising awareness of RSTI, and activities throughout 2022 will focus on stakeholder unity and sharing best practices in R&D and tech innovation.

Botswana's parliament has introduced 'Botswana Speaks', a digital platform designed to enhance communication between MPs and communities. Vice President Slumber Tsogwane highlighted the platform's role in providing constant access to elected representatives, complementing traditional kgotla consultations. The platform will broadcast parliament proceedings and facilitate direct communication through live streaming and SMS to 57 constituencies. Advisor Vasilis Koulolias noted that the platform, which was initially developed in 2012, aims to connect Batswana to their parliamentarians. The ICT Committee Chairperson Mpho Balopi mentioned a pilot project in four constituencies before the national rollout. Speaker Phandu Skelemani emphasized the platform's contribution to democratic participation and the rule of law. The launch is part of a series of initiatives, including the SmartBots project, to improve the country's connectivity, with a focus on engaging the youth.

Stanbic Bank Botswana has introduced TradeClub, a digital platform to facilitate global market access, and the Africa China Trade Solution (ACTS) to enhance trade between Africa and China. These initiatives aim to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to provide Small, Micro, and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) with new market opportunities. The platforms offer resources, pre-vetted connections, and support for import processes, backed by Standard Bank Group and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC).

Pan-African financial services company Letshego has launched its LetsGo Digital Mastery Programme in Botswana, selecting 15 candidates from over a thousand applicants. The 18-month programme aims to develop digital entrepreneurs and leaders, focusing on agritech, telemedicine, digital and financial literacy, and mobile money. Letshego Chairman Enos Banda emphasized the importance of innovation and the right talent in driving digital transformation. The programme, valued at over P500,000 per candidate, is set to expand to East and West Africa.

The winners of Absa Bank Botswana's agriculture-themed hackathon, including EO Analytics, Digital Lead, and Binary Thoughts, have been recognized and will participate in an incubation program to develop their entrepreneurial skills. The hackathon aims to support Botswana's agriculture sector, which is crucial for sustainable economic development. The government is also promoting digitisation and establishing Special Economic Zones to enhance mechanised farming and create export-oriented agro-industrial products.

Cryptocurrencies are growing in popularity as investment channels, but gaps in legal and regulatory frameworks pose significant risks. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlights the need for improved data capabilities and international collaboration to address these challenges. Dr. Tshiamo Motshegwa from the University of Botswana emphasizes both the positive impacts of technology, such as blockchain for transparency, and the exacerbation of regulatory challenges due to the decentralized nature of crypto exchanges.

Orange Botswana has introduced two new broadband services, Konnecta Max Pro and Konnecta Max Office Business, aimed at the SoHo and SME markets. These services are designed to provide affordable, unlimited internet connectivity to meet the fundamental business needs of Batswana. CEO Nene Maiga emphasized the company's commitment to digital inclusion and innovative solutions. The new offerings come at various price points and contract durations, reflecting the company's strategy to enhance digital access in Botswana.

Botswana’s Digital & Innovation Hub has partnered with NantWorks to establish NantBotswana, a biotechnology initiative aimed at advancing healthcare technologies in Botswana and Africa. The project will focus on COVID-19 vaccines, cancer treatment, and cell-based immunotherapy. Government officials, including Minister Dr Douglas Letsholathebe and President Mokgweetsi Masisi, highlighted the initiative's potential to enhance biotechnology capacity, meet international standards, and contribute to sustainable development goals, particularly in health and well-being.

Pan-African cloud-based digital service provider inq., a subsidiary of Convergence Partners, has expanded into the Botswana market with inq. Digital Botswana. The company aims to enhance Botswana's infrastructure investments with its edge cloud capabilities and digital solutions. Botswana's Minister of Transport and Communication, Thulagano Segokgo, emphasized the partnership's role in sustainable economic development and attracting foreign investors. Inq. Digital Botswana, led by Managing Director Mokgethi Nyatseng, will offer a variety of solutions including data and video analytics, IoT, and software development, aligning with the national vision Smart Botswana.

Mascom has launched four 5G sites in Gaborone, Botswana, with plans to expand to 111 sites nationwide by year-end. CEO Dzene Makhwade-Seboni emphasized the transformative potential of 5G for socioeconomic development and smart cities. Minister of Transport and Communications Thulagano Segokgo highlighted 5G's role in accelerating the digital economy and its benefits for sectors like healthcare. The initiative is part of Botswana's broader strategy to leverage advanced technologies for national development.

Orange Botswana is seeking partnerships with non-governmental organizations to support the establishment of Digital Centres aimed at empowering female technologists and entrepreneurs. The initiative, which seeks to provide digital technology training, financial management, and entrepreneurship skills to economically vulnerable women, has a deadline set for March to secure support. Successful applicants will receive digital centre kits, and the program has already benefited 45,000 women across 23 countries.

Botswana’s judiciary is undertaking several digital transformation projects to enhance service delivery, including real-time court reporting and virtual courts. Chief Justice Terence Tsatsilakgosi Rannowane emphasized the benefits of these technologies in reducing delays and backlogs in court proceedings. The judiciary is also exploring instant transcription of audio files and the virtual conduct of proceedings, necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, to minimize physical appearances in court and expedite case adjudication.

Pan-African financial services company Letshego has seen significant digital adoption of its services, particularly in Botswana, Namibia, and Nigeria, with over 300,000 customers registered on its LetsGo Digital Mall by the end of 2021. The company's Deduction at Source (DAS) net loan book value grew by 14% year-on-year. CEO Andrew Fening Okai announced plans for new programmatic lending solutions in affordable housing, health, and education, emphasizing the role of data analytics and AI in strategic decision-making and customer experience enhancement.

ICT contributed 2.7% to Botswana's GDP in Q3 2021, up from 2.4% in Q2, driven by increased subscriptions in both fixed and mobile telephones. Fixed telephone line subscriptions rose by 1.4%, while mobile cellular subscriptions increased by 2.8%. Internet subscriptions also saw an 8.1% rise, with mobile internet subscriptions contributing significantly. Compared to the same quarter the previous year, total internet subscriptions increased by 14.5%, with mobile and fixed internet subscriptions rising by 13.4% and 46.1%, respectively.

Pan-African financial services company Letshego is on track to achieve one million enterprise active customers on its LetsGo Digital Mall by 2023. The platform, launched across ten markets, is nearing 100,000 active customers with weekly registrations exceeding 10,000. CEO Andrew Okai highlighted the company's strategic goals, including a ten-minute loan solution in three markets by Q1 2022 and a digital-first approach aiming for a 20% Return on Equity by 2025. Letshego is also expanding its offerings with personal and household insurance and a crowdfunding capability, with pilots in Namibia and Ghana.

Botswana Telecommunications (BTC) reported an increase in data revenue for the half-year ending 30 September 2021, which helped offset declining voice revenues due to increased remote working. Despite challenging trading conditions, BTC achieved a 30% increase in profit after tax compared to the previous year. The company is optimistic about the growth potential for data services and is expanding its network capacity and customer touch-points. BTC is also rolling out solutions for the education sector and strengthening its mobile financial service ecosystem.

The International Monetary Fund is scrutinizing Zambia's deal with Glencore, the majority stakeholder in Mopani Copper Mines, amid concerns about the country's debt sustainability. Zambia's ZCCM-IH has taken on $1.5 billion in debt to acquire Glencore's stake and aims to find a new investor by the end of the year. The debt is guaranteed by Mopani and not part of Zambia's sovereign debt. Potential investors from various countries have shown interest, and the new investor is expected to fund expansion projects to significantly boost copper output. The move aligns with President Edgar Lungu's policy of increased state control over mines.

Botswana has experienced a significant increase in vehicle registrations, averaging an annual growth rate of 9.4% since 2006. The rise in new and used car sales has spurred growth in related businesses. Statistics Botswana reported a 136.8% increase in first registrations from 2006 to 2015. The majority of first-time registered vehicles were used, with a large number being imported from Japan. The growth has led to both positive developments, such as job creation, and challenges, including traffic congestion. Financial institutions like Letshego are offering vehicle finance packages, which has raised concerns about high household debt. Toyota is the leading brand in Botswana, and its South African operations are expanding to meet demand. South Africa's auto industry is expected to increase exports, with Botswana being a significant market within the region. Botswana's economy is projected to grow in the coming years, suggesting a continued increase in vehicle demand.