As President Advocate Duma Boko departed Estonia this morning, his reflections were marked by deep admiration for the Baltic nation’s remarkable digital transformation and inclusive innovation ecosystem. The State Visit, hailed as historic by both nations, concluded on a high note with a farewell dinner hosted by President Alar Karis—an event that symbolized the strong and growing bond between Botswana and Estonia.
President Boko leaves Estonia not only with lasting memories but with concrete insights and actionable opportunities poised to drive Botswana’s digital transformation and development goals. From digital governance to education and gender empowerment, the visit opened new doors for collaboration in key areas that could significantly shape Botswana’s future.
A standout moment of the trip was President Boko’s immersive engagement at e-Estonia, where he observed firsthand how Estonia has used digital tools to revolutionize governance. Through streamlined service delivery, enhanced transparency, and citizen empowerment, Estonia has emerged as a global leader in digital innovation. For President Boko, the experience served as a compelling blueprint for Botswana’s own national digitization agenda.
In subsequent meetings with Estonian tech firms, the President explored high-impact technologies with immediate relevance to Botswana’s needs. Solutions in digital health, e-learning, and financial technology were of particular interest, aligning closely with the government’s vision of improving access, efficiency, and transparency across critical sectors. The President noted that these technologies could be game changers in how Botswana delivers services to its citizens.
A visit to Tallinn University of Technology also stood out, offering a glimpse into the dynamic collaboration between academia and industry in Estonia. President Boko praised the university’s research-driven approach and expressed interest in building similar models in Botswana to bridge the gap between higher education and the labor market.
One of the most inspiring parts of the State Visit came during a tour of Unicorn Squad, a robotics and tech program dedicated to girls. President Boko was moved by the initiative’s impact in breaking gender barriers and promoting STEM education among young women. The program, he said, is a reflection of the kind of inclusive innovation Botswana must nurture to unlock the full potential of its youth and drive long-term economic growth.
President Boko emphasized that the engagements in Estonia were more than diplomatic formalities—they offered practical lessons and real-world partnerships. As Botswana charts its course toward a digitally empowered future, the insights gained during this visit will play a critical role in shaping policy, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering innovation at all levels of society.
With a renewed vision and strengthened ties, the President returns to Botswana determined to translate the inspiration of Estonia into action. The State Visit marks not just a diplomatic milestone, but a strategic turning point in Botswana’s journey toward becoming a smarter, more inclusive, and future-ready nation.
