Botswana’s Vice President, Ndaba Gaolathe, has called on African countries to join forces and pursue a united approach to digital transformation. Speaking at the Digital Government Africa Summit held in Bonanza, Chongwe, the Vice President stressed that Africa’s digital progress will remain slow unless the continent adopts a collaborative model—one that focuses on shared policies, systems, and innovation frameworks.
He noted that technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity for good governance, sustainable growth, and service delivery. “Our success will depend on how well we work together to modernise governance through digital transformation,” he said.
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A Call for Collaboration Across African Borders
Mr. Gaolathe emphasised that fragmented digital strategies are holding Africa back. Each country’s isolated approach, he said, makes it harder to build systems that communicate with one another or share data securely. For Africa to benefit from digital governance, he urged leaders to move beyond political borders and align digital regulations.
According to him, harmonising data protection laws, electronic signature standards, and digital identity systems would create an ecosystem where citizens can engage in cross-border trade and governments can exchange verified information seamlessly.
He explained that this cooperation is not just about efficiency—it’s about sovereignty. “If Africa builds its digital systems in isolation, we will depend on others to connect us,” he said. “But if we build together, we control our digital destiny.”
Botswana and Zambia as Examples of Regional Synergy
During his visit to Zambia for the summit, Gaolathe was accompanied by the Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix Mutati, and SMART Zambia Institute Coordinator, Percy Chinyama. Together, they inspected digital innovation stands and engaged developers showcasing new e-governance solutions.
The Vice President of Botswana praised Zambia’s efforts in digitising public service delivery, calling it a model for regional partnership. He highlighted how Botswana and Zambia could jointly develop interoperable systems for public records, electronic IDs, and taxation.
This, he said, would help African countries avoid duplicated costs and ensure citizens enjoy smoother access to government services—whether applying for permits, paying taxes, or accessing social benefits. “Botswana and Zambia can demonstrate what continental cooperation in digital government truly looks like,” he added.
Digital Transformation Beyond Technology
Gaolathe reminded attendees that digital transformation is not only about cables and computers. It is about inclusion, innovation, and empowerment. A truly digital Africa, he said, must make technology accessible to everyone—from urban entrepreneurs to farmers in remote villages.
He stressed that governments must prioritise digital literacy programmes, invest in affordable connectivity, and develop home-grown tech skills. Without these, Africa risks widening its internal digital divide even as it bridges the global one.
The Vice President of Botswana urged leaders to create policies that encourage private sector participation and startup incubation, especially among the youth. “We must empower our people not just to use digital tools, but to design and own them,” he said.
He added that when citizens trust digital systems and can access them easily, governments become more transparent and accountable, ultimately strengthening democracy.
Building a Continental Framework for the Digital Era
To ensure a truly united digital Africa, Gaolathe proposed four practical steps:
- Shared Digital Standards: Countries should adopt continental frameworks for cybersecurity, e-signatures, and data privacy to foster trust.
- Joint Infrastructure Investment: Pooling resources for regional data centres, internet exchange points, and cross-border fibre networks can reduce costs.
- Public-Private Collaboration: Governments should work closely with innovators, startups, and tech communities to build flexible, future-ready systems.
- Inclusive Digital Access: Policies must ensure that rural and disadvantaged communities are not left out of the digital economy.
He added that organisations such as the African Union and Smart Africa Alliance could play a central role in guiding this harmonisation process, ensuring that regional priorities align with continental aspirations.
According to Gaolathe, these shared efforts will help Africa transition from a consumer of global technology to a creator and exporter of digital solutions.
A Shared Vision for Africa’s Digital Tomorrow
Botswana’s Vice President ended his address on a hopeful note, saying that digital unity could be the most powerful driver of African growth this century. He urged African leaders to think long term—beyond election cycles and national budgets—and instead invest in a digital foundation that future generations can build upon.
“Digital transformation is not a competition between African nations,” he said. “It is our collective passport to progress.”
He reaffirmed Botswana’s commitment to regional digital partnerships, promising continued collaboration with nations such as Zambia, Kenya, and Rwanda to develop interoperable platforms that support economic growth, improve governance, and enhance citizens’ quality of life.
The Vice President’s message resonated deeply with policymakers, tech experts, and innovators across the continent. His call captured the growing recognition that Africa’s strength lies in unity—not only politically or economically, but digitally.
With countries like Botswana taking the lead, Africa’s digital renaissance may well be within reach. But, as Gaolathe cautioned, “Our future depends on the choices we make today—to connect, collaborate, and create together.”
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