Huawei ICT Congress 2026 brought together government leaders, diplomats, and technology executives in Gaborone on Wednesday, with discussions centred on artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and Botswana’s ambition to become a knowledge-based economy.
Speaking at the congress, China’s Ambassador to Botswana, Fan Yong said China remains committed to supporting Botswana’s digital transformation through infrastructure development, technology transfer, and skills development. He highlighted China’s “Digital China” strategy and said cooperation under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation continues to prioritise digital innovation and capacity building across Africa.
Fan said Chinese technology company Huawei has played a significant role in Botswana’s connectivity and digital skills development over the past two decades through initiatives such as the Huawei ICT Academy and Seeds for the Future programme, which have trained thousands of young Batswana in digital technologies.
Assistant Minister of Communications and Innovation, Shawn Ntlhaile said Botswana’s digital transformation is now a national imperative under the Botswana Economic Transformation Plan and Vision 2036. He said government is accelerating broadband expansion, village connectivity projects, and e-Government services to improve access to digital services and bridge the digital divide.
Ntlhaile said Botswana aims to transition from simply connecting people to building an intelligent digital economy powered by technologies such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence. He added that partnerships with private sector players such as Huawei remain critical in driving the country’s digital ambitions.
Huawei Botswana Managing Director said the next phase of digital transformation will focus not only on connectivity, but also on intelligence, data utilisation, and value creation. He said Huawei is supporting Botswana through investments in 5G, cloud computing, cybersecurity, digital power, and talent development programmes targeting young people.
The company said its long-term objective is to help position Botswana as a regional technology and artificial intelligence hub supported by strong infrastructure, innovation, and local digital skills.
