Botswana’s public and private sectors face a ticking clock: less than two years to fully transition their services online under the Digital Services Act. This bold mandate signals a determined stride toward comprehensive digital transformation nationwide. The initiative is a core element of government efforts to modernize service delivery, boost operational efficiency, and elevate user experience. The 24-month compliance period, which commenced in November last year, is designed to give institutions sufficient time to prepare for the complete digital rollout.
Speaking at the launch of the Botswana Cyber Drill, Minister of Communications and Innovation David Tshere emphasized that the grace period aims to foster readiness across both sectors. “The Digital Services Act gives us a 24-month grace period to prepare and put together all necessary enabling infrastructure and to roll out digitalisation,” Minister Tshere stated on Tuesday. “The private and the public sectors will be required to offer their services digitally; that is what the law says,” he added.
Tshere elaborated that the government has shifted from a reactive posture to a proactive, coordinated national framework. He underscored that building a digital nation must be founded on trust, security, and the rule of law. Highlighting recent progress, Tshere noted that Botswana passed the Cyber Security Act last year, which has since been enacted and is slated to come into effect by April.
A pivotal outcome of this legislation is the establishment of the National Cybersecurity Authority, charged with providing strategic oversight, coordination, and policy direction on cybersecurity across all economic sectors. The Act also formally bolsters the role of the National Computer Security Incident Response Team, he explained.
The minister cautioned that cyber risks have evolved beyond theory. “They are here, prevalent, and increasingly sophisticated,” he warned, adding that cyber incidents disrupt critical services, expose sensitive data, and inflict tangible economic and operational harm, including loss of business and erosion of customer trust.
Revealing that some local companies have already faced cyberattacks, Tshere described the cyber drill as a controlled environment where participants can learn from global experts, exchange experiences, and develop the skills essential to managing real-world cyber crises. He stressed that while laws and regulatory guidance are crucial, protecting digital systems demands a collective commitment.
Echoing this sentiment, Martin Mokgware, CEO of the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority, highlighted that national stability rests on robust digital infrastructure. Describing the drill as a vital demonstration of economic defense, he asserted, “Therefore, a cyber incident is not just an IT problem; it is a national problem that affects citizens, businesses, and how our country functions.”
From an industry perspective, Neo Ngwako, Managing Director of Abaricom, underscored the urgent necessity to shield the economy from cybercrime. He pointed out that these threats emerge at a time when the economy is already under pressure and grappling with a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. The inaugural Botswana Cyber Drill convened under the theme Cyber Resilience in Action, embodying the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its digital future.