Two Ways of Looking at AI in Botswana

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries worldwide, and Botswana is not immune to its effects. Globally, major players like Microsoft have identified over 40 job categories most at risk of disruption — including roles in customer service, media, finance, and education. Many of these roles are present in Botswana, raising important questions about the country’s preparedness for the AI-driven future.

Recently, two local voices have offered different perspectives on what AI could mean for Botswana. Their views highlight a useful way of thinking about the technology: as both a risk and an opportunity.

The Risk Perspective: David Moepeng

Speaking on BTV News, cybersecurity specialist David Moepeng focused on the vulnerabilities that AI brings. His concern is that Botswana, still in the early stages of digitization, could face significant disruption if the country fails to prepare. Jobs in sectors already under pressure from automation may disappear faster than new opportunities are created.

Moepeng also highlighted the importance of cybersecurity and workforce readiness. As digital adoption increases, so too does exposure to cyber threats, requiring stronger protections and new skills. From his perspective, AI presents more of a challenge than an opportunity unless Botswana takes deliberate steps to safeguard jobs and retrain its workforce.

The Opportunity Perspective: Monti Kgengwenyane

In contrast, entrepreneur and technology commentator Monti Kgengwenyane has emphasized the potential of AI to unlock growth. Speaking in a Business Digest interview, Kgengwenyane framed AI as a tool that can help Botswana innovate, compete globally, and build new industries.

Instead of focusing on job losses, he called attention to the importance of digital skills, entrepreneurship, and policies that support innovation. For Kgengwenyane, AI is not a threat but a chance to accelerate Botswana’s economic transformation — provided the country embraces digital inclusion and moves quickly to catch up with global trends.

Where the Two Views Meet

Though different in tone, both perspectives point to the same truth: AI will transform Botswana’s economy. The pace of digital adoption will determine whether the outcome is largely disruptive or largely empowering. Jobs will change, industries will evolve, and new skills will be in high demand.

What is clear is that Botswana cannot afford to delay. Whether viewed as a risk or an opportunity, AI is already reshaping the world. Preparing today — through reskilling, digital infrastructure, and innovation-friendly policies — will decide how well the country responds to this shift.

The debate is not really about choosing between risk or opportunity. It is about recognizing both sides and acting with urgency. Botswana must protect vulnerable jobs and systems while also seizing the innovation that AI makes possible. Balancing these two approaches may be the country’s best path to a sustainable digital future.

Sources for the Risk Perspective (David Moepeng / Botswana “40 jobs at risk” claim

• A Facebook post from BWgovernment, referencing a BTV News segment, states that “Microsoft has identified 40 jobs most at risk of being impacted” by AI—including roles in media, customer service, finance, and education within Botswana.

• Broader reporting on the Microsoft study confirms that researchers identified 40 jobs most exposed to AI, with even teaching professions included.

Sources for the Opportunity Perspective (Monti Kgengwenyane / Business Digest interview)

• A Business Digest segment on YouTube features Monti Kgengwenyane discussing AI’s relevance for Botswana, framing it as an opportunity to “solve our problems, speak our language,” and foster innovation.

Summary Table of Sources