Botswana is leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in its new, medium-term economic blueprint.
A major component is the Statistics Botswana Corporate Strategic Plan (2026–2030), launched in Gaborone by vice president and minister of finance Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe.
The five-year blueprint—unveiled under the theme “From Data Producer to Data Leader: Delivering Trusted, Innovative and Future-Ready Statistics for Botswana’s Development”—focuses on strengthening data governance, modernising information systems, promoting innovation and adopting AI and ML, Gaolathe says.
“The new strategic plan marks an important shift towards positioning Statistics Botswana as a leader in providing timely, relevant and reliable data to support government, businesses and citizens,” he adds.
Data is a potential new economic asset for Botswana with value comparable to diamonds, provided the country invests in strong cybersecurity, skilled professionals, institutional collaboration and responsible data sharing, Gaolathe says.
As Africa’s largest diamond producer by volume, Botswana is pursuing its long-term Vision 2036 strategy to transition from a resource-dependent nation to a knowledge-based, services-led economy, with information and communications technology (ICT) prioritised as a key diversification pillar.
The statistical overhaul builds on Gaborone’s SmartBots digital transformation strategy—which ITWeb Africa has tracked across initiatives including the relaunch of the Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub, public sector e-government rollouts, and expanded data centre infrastructure such as Orange Botswana’s $5.2 million tier three facility in Gaborone.
Stronger partnerships across government, the private sector, academic institutions and development partners are essential to build a robust national statistical system, Gaolathe says.
“The success of the strategy will ultimately be measured by its contribution to informed decisions, accountable governance and tangible improvements in the lives of Batswana,” he says.
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