EU Africa RISE support Botswana’s digital transformation

The European Union’s Africa RISE ( Reform for Investment and Sustainable Economies) programme has started two key projects in Botswana in support of the Government of Botswana Digital Transformation Strategy ( SmartBots). According to Africa RISE, the first project is to provide technical assistance for the development of the Botswana National Innovation Capability Framework, which will improve the effectiveness of the innovation ecosystem in the country. The implementation of the National Innovation Capability Framework will enhance the capacity of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises ( MSMEs) to innovate and drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth. It will also help to turn home- grown innovations into commercially sustainable solutions that will see local firms being able to compete in regional and global markets contributing to the development of key value chains. The second project is expected to support the development and piloting of a Digital Business Package for Women Entrepreneurs in Botswana. SmartBots has made clear provisions to enhance the participation of women in business. This will be achieved through digital skills programmes, business support packages and developing innovation capabilities. Meaningful digital inclusion, which will result through this work, will mean more opportunities for women to engage in the economy and ensure that they are not excluded from opportunities in this digital age. SmartBots aims to generate a 20 percent increase in the usage of e- commerce platforms by women entrepreneurs by December 2021, through training and improved access to digital products for women entrepreneurs. The support provided by Africa RISE will, it is anticipated, lead to the creation of further employment opportunities in women- led businesses. The strategy supports the goal of transforming Botswana from an upper- middle- income country to high- income status by 2036. Botswana is aiming to establish itself as a knowledge- based economy. This is to be achieved through innovation, research and development capability, knowledge channels and development activities. Africa RISE is a regional technical assistance facility, which supports inclusive and sustainable growth, job creation and decent work in Eastern Africa, Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean region. The facility, funded by the European Union, promotes macro - e c onomic policy and regulatory reform to create a business environment that encourages investment. The programme was launched in January 2021 and is one element of the EU’s activities to achieve the SDGs, primarily SDG 8 - inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all. The transformational agenda based on the National Vision 2036 goal, aims to put Botswana in a strong position within Africa and the world as a “Smart Society”, with broader use of technology expected to grow exponentially in the coming years.