Botswana
Botswana is considered as one of the most economically successful and developed countries in Africa, with a long history of a stable democracy and status as a middle-income country.
Estonian companies have been contributing to the construction of Botswana’s e-state for many years, and its recent partnership with ESTDEV means that it is now a priority in development cooperation. In this way, the Estonian state is better able to support Estonian companies and organizations operating in Botswana while creating systemic and sustainable digital development in the country.
Past successes in Botswana include the 2017 partnership between the Estonian company, Nortal, and the Botswana government to create a solution for tax administration and revenue collection. The project enabled an increase in available funds while reducing the administrative burden.
Now, Estonia’s focus is on supporting Botswana’s digital transformation. ESTDEV seeks to help improve Botswana’s business climate, digital services, data protection, and cyber security, as well as develop the country’s startup ecosystem and e-government services. In 2022, ESTDEV focused on learning more about the Botswana context and will map partners and opportunities to apply Estonian expertise to Botswana in priority areas. As of September 1, 2023, there are no ongoing projects in Botswana.
Global Sustainable Development Goals in Botswana
Priority Areas of Estonian Development Cooperation in Botswana
- Digital transformation – assessing national digital maturity and preparing a corresponding roadmap, which includes the development of existing and new e-government tools and e-services as well as raising digital competences, data exchange capabilities, and cyber security.
- Entrepreneurship – developing a start-up ecosystem and increasing 21st-century skills among young people, increasing the competitiveness of women and young people in the labor market, and introducing digital opportunities through evolving skill sets.
- Education – developing digital and entrepreneurial skills along with environmental awareness.