Orange Botswana and Huawei Technologies Botswana have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate Botswana’s digital transformation through investment in intelligent infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cloud technology and industry digitalisation. The agreement marks an important step towards expanding the country’s digital capabilities and supporting businesses as they adopt new technologies. It also reflects the growing importance of reliable connectivity, secure data services and advanced digital systems in modern economies. By combining their expertise and infrastructure, the two companies aim to develop solutions that can support different sectors of Botswana’s economy. The partnership could help strengthen the country’s position as it works towards a more connected and technology-driven future.
The agreement builds on several years of cooperation between Orange Botswana and Huawei Technologies Botswana. Their previous collaboration has covered wireless networks, financial technology, green energy and digital infrastructure. These areas have played an important role in improving communication services and supporting the growth of digital products in Botswana. The new MoU expands their cooperation beyond traditional telecommunications into enterprise services, mining, energy and data centre solutions. This broader focus reflects the increasing demand for technology that can improve efficiency, support innovation and help organisations manage information more effectively.
Artificial intelligence and cloud computing are central to the expanded partnership. AI can help businesses analyse information, automate routine processes and improve decision-making. Cloud technology allows organisations to store and access data through secure digital platforms without depending entirely on their own physical infrastructure. These capabilities can benefit companies that need to process large amounts of information or provide digital services to customers across different locations. Through the partnership, Orange Botswana and Huawei intend to explore practical ways of making these technologies more accessible to businesses and institutions.
A key part of the agreement is Orange Botswana’s Tier III-certified Data Centre. The facility provides secure and reliable hosting for critical systems and supports the growing need for cloud services, data-intensive applications and AI technologies. Data centres are essential to the digital economy because they provide the infrastructure needed to store, process and manage information. Their reliability is particularly important for organisations that depend on digital platforms to deliver services and maintain daily operations. As more businesses move their activities online, demand for secure data storage and dependable computing capacity is expected to increase.
The Tier III certification highlights the importance of infrastructure reliability in supporting essential digital services. Organisations need data facilities that can maintain operations and reduce the risk of service interruptions. Reliable hosting is especially important in sectors such as banking, telecommunications, mining and energy, where system failures can affect business operations and customer services. Orange Botswana’s facility provides a foundation for developing more advanced digital services within the country. Its role in the partnership could also support organisations seeking secure local infrastructure for their data and technology requirements.
Orange Botswana will contribute its nationwide connectivity infrastructure, while Huawei will bring its international experience in information and communications technology, cloud computing and artificial intelligence. Combining these capabilities could help the companies develop digital solutions that can grow with the needs of businesses and public institutions. Strong connectivity allows organisations to access digital platforms, communicate efficiently and exchange information across different locations. Advanced technology can then build on that foundation by improving how organisations manage their operations. The partnership aims to create scalable solutions that respond to practical challenges across Botswana.
The expansion into mining and energy is particularly relevant because these sectors play an important role in Botswana’s economy. Digital technologies can support better monitoring of equipment, improve operational planning and help organisations use resources more efficiently. In mining, connected systems and data analysis can assist with tracking production activities, monitoring machinery and identifying potential operational problems. In the energy sector, digital infrastructure can support system monitoring and improve the management of energy resources. The companies have not detailed specific projects under the agreement, but their intention to develop industry-specific solutions creates opportunities for further technology adoption in these sectors.
Enterprise services will also form an important part of the partnership. Businesses increasingly need digital systems that support secure communication, information management and efficient service delivery. Small and medium-sized enterprises can benefit from cloud platforms that reduce the need for costly in-house technology infrastructure. Larger organisations may require more advanced systems to manage complex operations and large volumes of data. By combining connectivity, cloud services and AI capabilities, Orange Botswana and Huawei aim to support organisations at different stages of digital development.
The agreement also places attention on the development of digital skills. Orange Botswana’s Orange Digital Center (ODC) reached more than 9,400 people in 2026 through 70 programmes focused on digital literacy, entrepreneurship and practical technology skills. This work is important because access to digital infrastructure alone does not guarantee that people can benefit from new technologies. Individuals need the knowledge and confidence to use digital tools in education, employment and business activities. Programmes that develop practical skills can help prepare young people and entrepreneurs for opportunities in the digital economy.
Digital literacy has become increasingly important as technology changes the way people work, communicate and access services. People with basic digital skills can use online platforms more effectively and participate in an economy that relies more heavily on technology. Entrepreneurship programmes can also help individuals explore business opportunities and use digital tools to develop products and services. The Orange Digital Center provides a platform for building these capabilities through structured learning activities. Its reach in 2026 demonstrates the scale of Orange Botswana’s efforts to support digital inclusion and skills development.
Orange Botswana CEO Néné Maïga said the agreement would extend the company’s role beyond connectivity. She highlighted the need to build infrastructure, services and capabilities that allow more people and organisations to participate in the digital economy. This approach reflects a wider change in the telecommunications industry, where operators increasingly provide cloud services, enterprise technology and digital platforms alongside traditional communication services. Connectivity remains essential, but businesses also need the systems and skills required to turn internet access into economic value. Orange Botswana’s expanded partnership with Huawei is intended to address these broader requirements.
Huawei Technologies Botswana Managing Director Li Dalu reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Botswana. He noted that the partnership would focus on turning technological cooperation into practical solutions and measurable value. This emphasis is important because successful digital transformation requires more than signing agreements or introducing new technology. Businesses and institutions need solutions that address their actual needs and deliver improvements they can assess. The focus on practical outcomes could help guide the companies as they identify opportunities and develop projects under the MoU.
The two companies plan to establish closer technical engagement to identify priority opportunities and develop digital solutions for specific industries. This process will allow them to assess where technology can deliver the greatest benefits and how different solutions can work within Botswana’s business environment. Industry-specific development is important because the needs of a mining company may differ significantly from those of a financial institution or energy provider. A solution that works well in one sector may require adjustments before it can serve another. Closer technical cooperation can help ensure that proposed projects respond to these differences.
The partnership also comes at a time when countries are placing greater emphasis on digital infrastructure as a foundation for economic growth. Reliable networks, secure data centres and advanced computing services can help businesses improve productivity and compete in wider markets. They can also support public institutions as they expand digital services and improve access to information. For Botswana, stronger digital capabilities could create opportunities for innovation, investment and the development of new technology-based businesses. However, the benefits will depend on how effectively infrastructure investment translates into affordable services, useful applications and wider access.
The success of the agreement will therefore depend on implementation and the ability of both companies to deliver solutions that meet local needs. Businesses will need clear information about available services, costs and the practical benefits of adopting new technologies. Skills development will also remain important so that employees and entrepreneurs can use these systems effectively. Data security and reliable service delivery must remain priorities as organisations increase their dependence on cloud platforms and AI applications. Continued cooperation between technology providers, businesses, educational institutions and public organisations will help create an environment where digital investment can produce lasting benefits.
Orange Botswana and Huawei Technologies Botswana’s agreement signals a broader ambition to support Botswana’s digital transformation. Their cooperation will combine national connectivity infrastructure, data centre capacity and international technology expertise to explore new opportunities across business and industry. The inclusion of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, mining, energy and enterprise services gives the partnership a wider economic focus. Orange Botswana’s investment in digital skills through its Orange Digital Center also highlights the importance of preparing people to participate in a changing economy. As the companies move towards identifying priority projects, the real measure of success will be the practical value their solutions bring to businesses, institutions and communities across Botswana.
