The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) between Botswana and Namibia is said to a platform for a strong foundation for the two countries to share knowledge and expertise, develop joint initiatives and, where appropriate, jointly develop solutions that can serve not only these two states but the wider SADC region
The MoU provides a framework for cooperation in areas including broadband and digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, digital skills, innovation and research, emerging technologies, policy and regulatory cooperation, and capacity building.
Speaking during the signing of the MOU in Kasane recently, Botswana’s Minister of Communications and Innovation, David Tshere noted that the two countries recognise that their economies must increasingly diversify beyond traditional natural-resource sectors.
He said that digital transformation and ICT present one of the most important opportunities to achieve this diversification, create employment, promote innovation and improve the lives of citizens.
“The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding therefore represents more than a formal agreement between two Governments. It is a commitment to move from cooperation in principle to practical collaboration that delivers tangible results for our people and economies,” he said.
Tshere highlighted that Botswana continues to invest in ICT infrastructure as a foundation for economic and social transformation. He indicated that the objective is not simply to connect Botswana, but to ensure that connectivity translates into economic opportunity, better public services, innovation and inclusive participation in the digital economy.
He encouraged Botswana and Namibia’s teams and institutions to identify practical, high-impact initiatives that can deliver early results in areas of focus. This includes affordable and reliable connectivity, cybersecurity and digital trust, digital skills development, innovation and entrepreneurship, cross-border digital trade, digital public services, infrastructure and knowledge sharing, and opportunities for technology companies to access larger regional markets.
In her remarks, Namibia’s Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus said that the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is one of the achievements after the second Namibia Botswana Bi- National Commission (BNC)
She noted that the MoU provides a comprehensive framework for cooperation in key areas of Information and Communication Technology. Theofelus indicated that the MOU facilitates the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and expertise in digital government, ICT policy and regulation, and digital transformation.
She also said that it supports joint capacity-building initiatives, study visits, technical cooperation, and information sharing aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration between the two countries.
“It is also worth stating that MTC and BoFiNet signed an MOU which establishes a strategic framework for cooperation between MTC and BoFiNet on cross-border telecommunications infrastructure, wholesale carrier services, regional connectivity, and digital infrastructure development,” she said.
Theofelus highlighted that a significant milestone demonstrating the practical value of this partnership is the successful completion of MTC’s fibre network from Gobabis to the Buitepos border, where it is now directly interconnected with the BoFiNet network at Charles Hill, Botswana.
She noted that this represents the first direct cross-border fibre connection between the two operators and strengthens regional connectivity while creating new opportunities for wholesale carrier services, digital trade, and regional telecommunications integration.
“Building on this achievement, MTC and BoFiNet have commenced commercial discussions to operationalise this corridor through IP Transit, wholesale capacity, carrier-to-carrier connectivity, redundancy solutions, and future international routing into South Africa,” she said.
