Botswana’s digital footprint in Africa

Botswana's Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Tiroeaone Ntsima, recently spoke with CNBC Africa at the AfCFTA Digital Trade and Services Forum in Lusaka, Zambia. The conversation highlighted Botswana's commitment to embracing digital transformation to simplify processes and enhance accessibility for its people. Minister Ntsima emphasized that Botswana is aligned with global trends and aims to leverage digital trade opportunities effectively. In discussing the goals for digital trade in Africa, Minister Ntsima highlighted the necessity of moving in the direction of digital transformation due to its inevitability in the current global landscape. He underscored the importance of African countries embracing digital trade to avoid being left behind and stressed the need for collective action to drive progress. Addressing impediments to digital trade on the continent, Minister Ntsima pointed out the need for expanded infrastructure to support digitization efforts. He noted the challenge of disparities in infrastructure availability within and across African countries and called for increased investment in building a robust digital ecosystem. The interview also touched on the implications of global trade dynamics, particularly in the context of President Trump's trade policies. Minister Ntsima viewed these challenges as opportunities for Africa to reevaluate its trade strategies and prioritize intra-African trade. He emphasized the significance of leveraging digital platforms to enhance market access within the continent. Regarding the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), Minister Ntsima acknowledged the benefits it has brought to African states but emphasized the importance of transitioning towards self-sufficiency and fostering intra-African trade relationships. He highlighted the pivotal role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in driving regional economic integration and emphasized the need for accelerated implementation of the agreement. In conclusion, Minister Ntsima emphasized the urgency for African countries to embrace digital trade and actively participate in initiatives like the AfCFTA. He called for a shift towards a collective mindset to drive sustainable growth and ensure balanced trade relations within the continent. As Africa navigates the evolving global trade landscape, digital transformation remains a strategic imperative for unlocking economic opportunities and fostering inclusive growth across the region.