Ministry promotes E- commerce strategy

The Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary- Trade, in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Seipati Olweny says the E- Commerce strategy will increase the efficiency and wealthgeneration capacity of the economy as a guiding tool in facilitating E- commerce across all sectors of the economy.

Olweny said this when officiating at the E- commerce workshop that was hosted by the Department of Trade Development, where Focal Persons from different Government Departments, Parastatals and the private sector came together to unpack the implementation matrix and to develop a standard template for reporting the initiatives demonstrated in the Strategy document.

She said the objective of the National E- Commerce Strategy, is to promote the diffusion and use of e- commerce throughout Botswana’s commercial and public spheres. Olweny indicated that Botswana continues to benefit from the Southern African Development Community- Trade Related Facility ( SADC- TRF) programme that facilitates, among others, the development and building capacity for the adoption of e- commerce and promote use of e- commerce tools.

Olweny further highlighted that the strategy will ensure the review, amendment and re- enactment of laws associated with E- commerce and will also call for the private sector to strengthen its capacity in areas such as development of electronic payment services, awareness and skills training, among others.

“Botswana is set out to achieve its new Vision 2036 seeking to transform the nation from an upper middle income to a high income country,” she added.

The Acting Deputy PS said digitisation is one of the reset priorities and this indicates a strong will and vision Government has, to utilise and harness online platforms and online trade.

The two days workshop will give stakeholders the opportunity to interact, participate and merge ideas, that will result in reaching a common understanding, geared towards a smoother implementation process.