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How Botswana is developing a national Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy

How Botswana plans to digitize the economy and its government

Author

Boago Sephutho
May 23, 2025

Table of Contents

Good morning! Let’s get into it.

So you probably heard and saw this ongoing visit between Estonian ambassadors to Botswana, and a great deal of talk about partnering with the country in the tech space. But why? What’s with Estonia in technology that Botswana wants to partner with the nation?

Estonia is widely recognized as a global leader in technology and the digital economy. Over the past two decades, this small Baltic nation has transformed itself into one of the most digitally advanced societies in the world.

ESTONIA

Digital Governance and Infrastructure

Estonia's government services are almost entirely online, with 99% of public services accessible digitally. Citizens can vote, file taxes, and sign documents electronically, thanks to a secure digital identity system. This digital infrastructure is supported by initiatives like the X-Road platform, which allows secure data exchange between public and private sectors, and the "once-only" principle, ensuring citizens provide their information only once.(WIRED, The Enlightenment Journey)

Startup Ecosystem and Innovation

Estonia boasts the highest number of tech unicorns per capita in Europe, including companies like Skype, Wise, and Bolt. The country's startup-friendly environment is bolstered by streamlined online business registration, favorable tax policies, and a robust network of incubators and accelerators .(4imag)

E-Residency and Global Business

The e-Residency program allows non-Estonians to establish and manage businesses online within the EU framework. Since its launch in 2014, over 80,000 e-residents from more than 170 countries have joined, establishing over 15,000 companies .(Make Business)

Education and Digital Literacy

Estonia's education system emphasizes digital skills from an early age, with coding introduced in primary schools. Recent initiatives like AI Leap aim to teach AI skills to high school students, preparing them for future technological advancements .(Emerging Europe, Financial Times)

Cybersecurity and Defense Tech

Estonia ranks first in Europe for cybersecurity, with extensive use of electronic ID and blockchain technology. The country is also investing heavily in defense technologies, with initiatives like the €100 million government fund supporting the defense tech sector, aiming for the industry to generate €2 billion in revenue by 2030 .(Invest in Estonia, Reuters)

Estonia's commitment to digital innovation, robust infrastructure, and supportive policies has positioned it as a leader in technology and the digital economy.

Now, what does Botswana want to establish digitally with Estonia?

Botswana is actively collaborating with Estonia to advance its digital transformation, drawing on Estonia's renowned expertise in e-governance and digital innovation. This partnership encompasses several key initiatives aimed at modernizing Botswana's digital infrastructure and services.(estdev.ee)

1. Development of a National AI Strategy

Botswana and Estonia are jointly developing a national Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy. This initiative focuses on integrating AI into sectors such as smart agriculture, e-governance, research, and innovation. The collaboration also includes sharing best practices in cybersecurity, big data, robotics, and microservice architecture, aligning with Botswana's SmartBots Strategy to digitize all sectors of the economy by 2025.(Africa Press Arabic)

2. EU-Funded Digital Transformation Program

Under the European Union's Global Gateway strategy, Botswana is implementing a €1.5 million digital transformation program in partnership with Estonia, France, and Finland. Led by Expertise France, with Estonia's ESTDEV contributing its digital governance expertise, the program aims to enhance e-government services, promote seamless data exchange, and increase public sector efficiency through digital solutions .(European External Action Service, estdev.ee)

3. SME Digital Maturity Upskilling and Accelerator Program

Estonia's BCS Koolitus AS, in collaboration with the University of Botswana Innovation Centre, is leading a program to enhance digital capabilities among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Botswana. Running from May 2024 to May 2025, the initiative focuses on developing digital competencies and fostering innovation within the SME sector.(BCS Koolitus)

4. ICT Business Collaboration

In March 2024, the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre facilitated a business session between Estonian ICT companies and their Botswana counterparts. The session aimed to promote collaboration in digitalization and fintech, emphasizing investment opportunities and knowledge exchange between the two countries.(TechAfrica News)

Through these collaborative efforts, Botswana seeks to emulate Estonia's success in digital innovation, aiming to transform into a knowledge-based economy with inclusive, efficient, and secure digital services.

So how will this benefit young people: students, professionals and entrepreneurs?

Botswana’s digital partnership with Estonia is poised to deliver significant benefits to young people, particularly students, professionals, and entrepreneurs, by enhancing access to technology, education, opportunities, and digital infrastructure. Here's how each group stands to benefit:

 For Students

1. AI & Digital Skills Training
The collaboration includes developing a national AI strategy and educational reforms inspired by Estonia. This could lead to:

  • AI and coding should be introduced early in school curricula.

  • Enhanced STEM education and digital literacy programs.

  • Opportunities for international exchange and mentorship.

2. Improved Access to Digital Tools

  • More e-learning platforms and digital libraries.

  • Equitable access to tech in rural and urban schools.

  • Integration of smart learning environments.

For Professionals

1. Upskilling Through EU-Funded Programs
The SME digital upskilling initiative can help:

  • Mid-career professionals gain modern digital competencies.

  • Increase employability in emerging sectors like fintech, cybersecurity, and data science.

2. Public Sector Modernization
As government services go digital:

  • Professionals will experience faster and more efficient services (e.g., licenses, tax filings).

  • Career opportunities may expand in digital project management, cybersecurity, and ICT policy.

For Entrepreneurs

1. Easier Business Setup and Management
Inspired by Estonia's digital business ecosystem:

  • Businesses could soon be registered and operated entirely online.

  • Digital identity and e-signatures could streamline legal and banking processes.

2. Access to Global Markets and Mentors

  • Botswana’s integration with Estonia’s e-Residency model could allow entrepreneurs to build EU-based companies remotely.

  • Networking opportunities with Estonian tech startups and investors.

3. SME Accelerator Program

  • Direct support in digital transformation.

  • Mentorship, funding access, and tools to scale digitally.

Shared Benefits

  • Increased job creation in the tech and digital service sectors.

  • Improved governance and transparency, reducing corruption and inefficiencies.

  • A more inclusive economy, where digital access helps close gaps for youth and underserved communities.

If you're a young person in Botswana, this digital partnership is not just about technology, it's about opening the door to a more innovative, connected, and opportunity-rich future.

References

🇪🇪 Estonia’s Tech & Digital Economy Leadership

  1. Wired – On Estonia's digital governance infrastructure:
    🔗 Have a Nice Future Podcast: Estonia’s Digital Society

  2. Euronews – On Estonia’s startup ecosystem and unicorns:
    🔗 Estonia has the most tech unicorns per capita in Europe. What’s their secret?

  3. MakeBusiness.eu – On Estonia’s e-Residency program:
    🔗 Estonia: The Digital Economy and Startup Hub of Europe

  4. Financial Times – On Estonia’s focus on AI in education:
    🔗 Estonia’s ‘AI Leap’ schools initiative

  5. Reuters – On Estonia’s defense tech investments and cybersecurity leadership:
    🔗 Estonia’s tech investors take defence into their own hands

🇧🇼 Botswana–Estonia Digital Collaboration

  1. Africa Press – On Botswana and Estonia’s AI strategy partnership:
    🔗 Botswana/Estonia partner to develop AI strategy

  2. ESTDEV – On EU-funded digital transformation program with Estonia, France, and Finland:
    🔗 EU supports digital transformation in Botswana

  3. BCS Koolitus AS – On SME digital maturity and upskilling program in Botswana:
    🔗 SME Digital Maturity Project in Botswana

  4. TechAfrica News – On ICT business session between Botswana and Estonia:
    🔗 BITC facilitates Botswana–Estonia ICT session