President Mokgweetsi Masisi on Friday announced the launch of free WiFi hotspots in the capital Gaborone, noting that information and communications technology (ICT) can help address some development challenges.
“It is against this background that the government deems it necessary that all citizens should have access to the Internet so that the ideal of leaving no one behind as envisioned by the sustainable development goals is realized,” said Masisi.
He emphasized the use of the Internet, which has become a daily necessity in the lives of many people and organizations alike as they use it for business transactions and networking.
The president said his administration is committed to the automation of some services, which include the payment of old-age pensions, utility bills, fines, e-health, e-agriculture and all forms of commerce.
In addition, Masisi highlighted how ICT can be used to stimulate economic growth and add jobs during the country’s 11th National Development Plan.
“Therefore, innovation and creativity will be the bedrock of economic diversification in our country,” he said