Botswana has invested P34.5 million (US$2.5 million) in expanding mobile broadband and voice coverage along the 1,900km Trans-Kalahari Highway, deploying 12 sites through the Universal Access and Service Fund broadband expansion project.
The initiative, involving Orange Botswana, aims to improve digital connectivity for rural communities, businesses, farmers and travellers along a regional trade corridor linking Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.
The investment forms part of Botswana’s efforts to extend telecommunications services beyond major urban centres and improve access to digital and postal services in rural communities.
The Trans-Kalahari Corridor connects Namibia’s Walvis Bay and Windhoek through Botswana to Pretoria and Johannesburg in South Africa, supporting regional trade and cross-border economic activity.
Further network expansion is planned through infrastructure sharing and network optimisation involving Botswana Telecommunications Corporation and Mascom, with improvements expected by the end of the next financial year, according to David Tshere, Botswana’s minister of Communications and Innovation.
The additional measures are intended to broaden connectivity options along the corridor and surrounding communities.
Tshere highlighted the project during the national commemoration of World Post Day 2026 in Sekoma, where he officially opened the event under the theme “One Postal Network, Infinite Possibilities”.
He also identified the Sekoma Poso Mall as an emerging centre for economic activity, digital inclusion and essential public services for the village and neighbouring communities.
The minister said improved connectivity and modernised postal networks could help young people, rural entrepreneurs and local producers access customers in major cities and international markets.
“In the same spirit, the benefits of technological advancement, connectivity and economic opportunity should reach all communities across our country. The postal network has an important role to play in achieving this objective,” Tshere said.
The project reflects the broader role of telecommunications infrastructure in supporting rural development, enabling businesses to participate in the digital economy and strengthening economic links across Southern Africa.
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