As Botswana places the digital economy at the heart of its national transformation agenda, adherence to data protection regulations has become an essential catalyst for fostering growth and cultivating trust. In alignment with this priority, the Botswana Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) has announced the forthcoming second edition of its Annual Conference, set to take place from 9 to 10 October 2025 at the Royal Aria in Gaborone. This year’s theme, “Bridging the Data Protection Compliance Gap: Unlocking Economic Value Through Collaborative Partnerships and Reshaping Strategies for Privacy Excellence,” underscores the critical role of compliance in driving economic advancement.
Over the course of two days, the conference will gather more than 250 delegates, including leaders from the financial sector, technology specialists, regulators, policymakers, and business executives. The agenda will focus on enhancing conformity with the Data Protection Act, enacted earlier this year, while demonstrating how a commitment to privacy excellence can propel innovation, boost profitability, and attract foreign investment. In his opening remarks, BIBF’s IT Manager, Mr. Pitso Mokane, highlighted the conference’s reflective purpose: examining how organizations have adapted to the new legislation since its introduction. He emphasized the strategic imperative of protecting information, stating, “data is the current currency,” and securing it is pivotal to fostering enduring client trust. The program will feature plenary sessions, panel discussions, and regulatory dialogues, offering a dynamic platform for sharing expertise on data governance and responsible information management.
Ms. Leene Nage, BIBF’s Manager of Business Development, Marketing, and Partnerships, described the conference as a vital opportunity for capacity building and industry-wide training designed to close knowledge gaps. “This will be an opportune moment to harmonize the Data Protection Act with other pieces of legislation and equip organizations with practical tools to ensure compliance,” she explained. Nage further emphasized that the event aims to engage all sectors of the economy, encouraging a perspective of compliance not as a limitation, but as a foundation for innovation and competitive advantage.
The BIBF underscored that the conference theme epitomizes its dedication to positioning Botswana at the forefront of digital transformation. Rather than perceiving data protection as a regulatory burden, it should be embraced as a gateway to unlocking economic potential and fostering robust partnerships across industries. The Data Commissioner of Botswana is expected to attend, offering insights into the nation’s progress since the enactment of the Act, and reinforcing the vital role of compliance in advancing the digital economy.
