Botswana is set to embark on a sweeping digital transformation drive under the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, with a new Electronic Identification (Digital ID) system effort to modernise public services and improve efficiency across government.
Presenting the Ministry’s Public Investment Programme for the Twelfth National Development Plan (NDP 12), Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Major General (Rtd.) Pius Mokgware, said the digitalisation agenda will mark a new era in Botswana’s identity management and service delivery systems. The Ministry has proposed P167.5 million for computerisation and ICT development projects, part of a broader P1.09 billion investment plan.
“The Ministry is in the process of developing an Electronic Identification system that will interface with all services on the national digital platform as a means of verification and recognition to enable online services in the entire ecosystem,” Mokgware told Parliament on Tuesday. He said the system will serve as a single source of identity for both citizens and residents, allowing secure verification and authentication across public and private sector services.
The Digital ID will integrate existing databases, including the national Omang, passports, and driver’s licences, to create a unified and secure identity platform. According to the Minister, the system will also support digital services such as electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC), digital signatures, and automated data exchange between government agencies and businesses.
Mokgware said implementation will begin with a pilot phase by the end of 2025, with a full rollout targeted for completion by the end of 2026. “This will build on existing identification infrastructure to eliminate fragmentation and duplication, while enhancing accuracy, security, and ease of access to essential services,” he said.
The Ministry also plans to digitise the processing of work permits, residence permits, and visas. The new online platform is expected to replace the current manual procedures, which are often slow and fragmented, with a fully integrated digital service that allows applicants to track and manage their submissions online.
As part of this initiative, the Ministry will upgrade its ICT networks and local area systems to support the new digital platforms and improve connectivity across its offices. Mokgware said automation will also extend to labour administration functions, records management, and the National Internship Service to improve efficiency and transparency.
“The digitised environment will create a paperless, faster, and more secure workflow across departments, while reducing administrative bottlenecks that often frustrate citizens and investors alike,” Mokgware said.
He added that robust data management and cybersecurity safeguards will be built into the system to ensure that national, personal, and individual data is not infringed upon in any way. “We are continuously exploring ways through which data is not compromised, and access to it remains secure at all times,” he said.
The introduction of the Digital ID and related ICT upgrades is expected to strengthen Botswana’s e-governance framework, enhance service delivery, and position the country for greater competitiveness in the digital economy.
