Namibia and Botswana have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen broadband cooperation, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity and cross-border connectivity as both countries seek to expand regional digital integration.
The agreement was signed in Kasane, Botswana, and establishes a framework for cooperation covering broadband infrastructure, digital government, ICT regulation, innovation, research, emerging technologies and capacity building.
Botswana’s Minister of Communications and Innovation, David Tshere, said the agreement is intended to move cooperation beyond policy discussions and towards the implementation of practical digital projects.
“Digital transformation and ICT present one of the most important opportunities to achieve this diversification, create employment, promote innovation and improve the lives of our citizens,” Tshere said.
Namibia and Botswana Establish Digital Cooperation Framework
The broadband cooperation agreement follows commitments made through the Namibia-Botswana Bi-National Commission, under which both governments identified telecommunications connectivity, infrastructure sharing, cybersecurity and digital transformation as priority areas for bilateral cooperation.
Namibia’s Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, said the MoU would support knowledge sharing and joint initiatives aimed at strengthening regional digital integration.
Implementation will be overseen by joint technical working groups covering connectivity, cybersecurity, digital skills, innovation, digital public services and infrastructure development.
Theofelus said continued investment, infrastructure expansion, innovation and sustainable business models remain important to achieving inclusive digital transformation.
Cross-Border Fibre Supports Broadband Cooperation
Namibia and Botswana are already working together on regional connectivity through a partnership between Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) and Botswana Fibre Networks (BoFiNet).
The partnership established the first direct fibre-optic connection between Namibia and Botswana, providing an existing basis for cross-border connectivity between the two countries.
Botswana is also expanding broadband access through its Universal Access and Service Fund and the SmartBots Programme. More than 228 villages have already benefited from upgrades to communication networks from 3G to 4G, according to Tshere.
“Through the Universal Access and Service Fund, more than 228 villages have already benefited from the upgrading of communication networks from 3G to 4G,” he said.
The existing connectivity projects form part of the wider digital infrastructure developments taking place alongside the new framework for broadband cooperation between Namibia and Botswana.
Cybersecurity and Digital Services Included
Cybersecurity is another area covered by the agreement, with the two countries committing to information sharing, institutional cooperation and skills development aimed at improving resilience against cyber threats.
“Cyber threats do not respect national borders, and our response must therefore include information sharing, skills development, institutional cooperation and strengthened collective resilience,” Tshere said.
Botswana recently enacted the Cybersecurity Act, 2025 and the Digital Services Act, 2025, covering secure digital services, fintech and digital trade. Namibia’s National Cybersecurity Incident Response Team (NAM-CSIRT) is also collaborating with Botswana’s BW-CIRT on cybersecurity capacity building.
The MoU further covers digital public services. Botswana is developing a digital ecosystem incorporating electronic identification, electronic payments, permit applications and revenue collection.
Tshere said Botswana’s Digital Economy Roadmap aims to increase the ICT sector’s contribution to 20% of gross domestic product, with digital technology positioned as a sector of economic production in its own right.
The joint technical working groups will oversee the implementation of the agreement across connectivity, cybersecurity, digital skills, innovation, digital public services and infrastructure development.