Botswana’s Minister for Labour and Home Affairs, Major General Pius Mokgware, has expressed strong confidence in Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a catalyst for massive job creation across the country. Speaking after his attendance at the 113th International Labour Organization (ILO) Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, the minister emphasized that Botswana is strategically positioned to benefit from the rapid technological advancements currently shaping global economies.
According to Mokgware, AI has the potential to generate thousands of new employment opportunities for Batswana by enabling innovation, streamlining services, and attracting digital investments. He noted that Botswana’s geographical location within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) gives the country a competitive edge to emerge as a regional hub for digital services and innovation.
The minister also underlined the vision of transforming Botswana into a 24-hour economy — one that does not sleep but rather harnesses technology to operate around the clock. He pointed to the growing feasibility of a platform-based economy, driven by e-commerce, digital finance, and online services, where individuals and businesses can connect and transact seamlessly.
Mokgware revealed that he has already engaged with several investors who have expressed interest in supporting Botswana’s digital transformation. “With the right partnerships and investment frameworks in place, we can get this off the ground within a few months,” he stated confidently.
During his trip to Geneva, the minister was joined by delegates from Business Botswana and representatives of the country’s trade unions. The trip was part of a broader effort to align Botswana’s labour policies with emerging global trends while ensuring that the country’s workforce is prepared for the future of work.
By embracing AI and positioning itself as a digitally forward economy, Botswana is taking decisive steps toward not only creating jobs but also enhancing its competitiveness on the global stage. Mokgware’s remarks signal a strong political will to future-proof the economy while creating opportunities for Batswana in the evolving digital landscape.
