Botswana, Palapye: SMARTBOTS Village Connectivity Project was finally launched by the President of the Republic of Botswana -Dr—Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, in Maun, Palapye, on 18th October 2023. The event was live-streamed in Gumare, Main Kgotla.
The President of the Republic of Botswana, Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, said that Digitization has the immense potential to unlock and enable high productivity among people, as well as ensure business continuity during turbulent times, be it for public or private sector business and services.
The President said this when launching the SmartBots Village Connectivity Project earlier today.
President Masisi alluded that the SmartBots Village Connectivity Project supports digital transformation of all sectors of the economy and will move the country towards the Knowledge-Based Economy (KBE) that Botswana aspire to achieve in accordance with National Vision 2036.
This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide, ensuring technology reaches even the remotest villages. The event’s live stream in Tlokweng Main Kgotla brought this significant moment to a broader audience.
The project promises to empower education, stimulate e-commerce, and provide essential services. Under President Masisi’s leadership, SMARTBOTS is set to transform Botswana.
Many ministers attended the Palapye leg of the SmartBots launch, including Slumber Tsogwane, the Vice President of Botswana, and Ambassadors from different countries, speaking to the good diplomatic relations that Botswana continues to enjoy.
The Ambassadors in attendance for the SmartBots Village Connectivity Project in Palapye were their Excellencies, Mourad Adjabi of the Democratic Republic of Algeria, Audrey Kemarskiy – Special Representative to SADC, António Macheve of Mozambique and Thaninga Shope- Soumah of South Africa.
The Village Connectivity Project launch took place on a trilateral basis digitally, connecting dikgotla in Maun, Palapye and Molepolole.
The flagship project aims to accelerate digital connectivity by deploying state of the art ICT infrastructure to over 500 villages in Botswana. Phase 1 of the Village Connectivity Project is connecting 1,1.
Residents of Maun, Botswana, Palapye seemed happy with this initiative. One of the residents said, “Everyone can see the great work you are doing! I thank you personally, HE!”