Huawei commits to supporting Botswana's digital transformation
Pauline Dikuelo | Wednesday May 13, 2026 09:54
Huawei Botswana Managing Director, Li Dalu, added that his company has contributed to this progress through the provision of network infrastructure, cloud platforms, enterprise solutions, and skills development initiatives. However, he stressed that the next phase of transformation requires a shift from focusing solely on connectivity to prioritising intelligence, innovation, value creation, and the effective use of data and emerging technologies. “Huawei’s approach is to support this transition through integrated solutions across 5G, cloud computing, data centres, cybersecurity, digital power, and industry-specific applications,” Dalu told delegates at the recent Huawei ICT Congress 2026 in Gaborone.
According to the MD, these technologies are intended to improve service delivery, strengthen institutions, and create new economic opportunities across sectors such as government, education, and enterprise development. Dalu emphasised that successful digital transformation depends on strong partnerships amongst government, the private sector, academic institutions, and technology providers. He said Huawei remains committed to working closely with stakeholders to help translate Botswana’s digital ambitions into practical and sustainable outcomes. Particular emphasis was also placed on youth empowerment and digital skills development, with the MD saying Botswana’s long-term digital success will depend on building local expertise capable of driving transformation from within.
Through initiatives such as the Huawei ICT Academy, national ICT competitions, and advanced technical training programmes, Huawei continues to invest in skills development in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, cybersecurity, and network technologies. The company also expressed its ambition to support Botswana in strengthening its position as a competitive regional technology and AI hub supported by strong infrastructure, innovation, and local talent. The Huawei ICT Congress 2026 highlighted the growing digital partnership between China and Botswana, as both countries intensify cooperation in AI, connectivity, cloud computing, and digital skills development.
Held under the theme “Leading the Era of Intelligence,” the event brought together government officials, technology leaders, and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of digital transformation and Botswana’s position within the rapidly evolving global technology landscape. Addressing delegates during the congress, Chinese Ambassador to Botswana Fan Yong noted that the world is undergoing profound technological change driven by AI, 5G-Advanced technology, and cloud computing. He said China has embraced this transition through its “Digital China” strategy, which has helped build the world’s largest optical fiber and mobile broadband networks over the past decade. 'China’s digital economy has become a major driver of modernisation, productivity, poverty reduction, and green development, positioning technology at the centre of national economic growth,' he added. According to Yong, Botswana was identified as a key partner in Africa’s digital transformation agenda, particularly as the country advances toward becoming a knowledge-based economy under Vision 2036.
The long-standing relationship between Botswana and China, strengthened through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), continues to expand beyond traditional infrastructure into technology, innovation, and digital capacity building. Meanwhile, Assistant Minister of Communications and Innovation Shawn Ntlhaile said the foundation of any digital economy is anchored in a robust infrastructure noting that in recent years, government has championed the village connectivity project targeting rolling out high-speed internet to the rural communities, schools, and local clinics. 'The goal was to achieve universal access to communication services,' he said. 'We are moving beyond just connecting people to connecting everything though advanced target networks and high-speed broadband.' The Minister said by bridging digital divide, they are democratising access to information, global markets and digital skills.