“If you replace your tasks and efforts with AI, you will soon be replaced by AI.” – Siphiwe Mabusela
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it is here, rapidly reshaping industries, economies, and daily life. Botswana must take proactive steps to embrace AI the right way, or risk being left behind in this global technological shift. AI has the potential to create new industries, revolutionize existing ones, and unlock countless opportunities—but only if we apply it strategically and responsibly.
Recognizing the urgency to educate, engage, and empower individuals, businesses, and policymakers, Mmegi, Botswana’s most influential media house, has partnered with me, Siphiwe Mabusela, and my company, Stratida, to bring AI to the masses. This partnership is not just about spreading awareness—it is about taking action to ensure that AI becomes a tool for progress rather than a source of disruption.
The Risks of AI: What Botswana Must Get Right
AI is advancing at an unprecedented pace, and while it presents enormous opportunities, it also comes with challenges that must be addressed strategically.
Unemployment & Job Displacement
AI is automating tasks across industries, and if Botswana does not proactively invest in AI-related skills and job creation strategies, we risk a surge in unemployment. Instead of resisting AI, we must harness its potential to create new industries and employment opportunities.
AI & Education: A Double-Edged Sword
AI-powered tools have the potential to enhance learning, but if misused, they could weaken students’ ability to think critically and solve problems. AI must not make students passive consumers of information, but rather active innovators.
This is where solutions like NzuluAI, an AI-driven educational tool I have developed, come into play—helping students learn better without replacing their ability to think. The goal is not to use AI for cheating or shortcuts but rather as a tool to enhance research, critical thinking, and knowledge application.
AI Beyond Just Prompts: Real-World Applications
AI is more than just chatbots and text generation. Its power extends into machine learning, automation, and robotics, transforming sectors like farming, mining, healthcare, and education. • Agriculture: AI-powered precision farming can improve crop yields and optimize water usage. • Mining: AI-integrated robotics in mining can enhance worker safety and operational efficiency. • Healthcare: AI-powered diagnostic tools can detect diseases faster and with greater accuracy. • Education: AI-driven adaptive learning platforms can personalize education for each student’s unique needs. • Business Automation: AI can enhance predictive analytics, supply chain management, and fraud detection.
As someone who has built AI-powered solutions in IoT (Internet of Things) and IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things), integrating AI into real-world applications, I don’t just talk about AI—I actively build and implement it.
My work spans multiple industries through ventures such as: • LinkSensi – AI-powered solutions for the LPG industry, transforming energy management and logistics. • Kukinta – New Energy Solutions & Electric Vehicles, focused on sustainable mobility and smart energy. • Minesafe360 – AI & IoT-powered industrial safety solutions, revolutionizing mining safety and compliance. • Tenantrix – AI-driven real estate and property management solutions. • NzuluAI – Advancing AI in education to create adaptive learning experiences.
Through these businesses, I am actively applying AI and building solutions that are being used across Africa and abroad.
AI for Social Good: Preventing Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
Beyond business and industry, AI can be a powerful tool for social impact. I have developed an AI-driven GBV prevention and reporting app that uses advanced machine learning algorithms to detect, analyze, and provide intervention pathways for victims of gender-based violence. By leveraging AI in this way, we can help protect vulnerable individuals and create a safer society.
Empowering the Next Generation Through Robotics & AI Education
AI and robotics are the foundation of future industries, and ensuring that the next generation is equipped with these skills is crucial. That is why I founded the Robotics & Coding Academy (roboticsacademy.africa), a platform dedicated to teaching young minds the fundamentals of robotics, coding, and AI applications. The academy provides hands-on training, interactive learning experiences, and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that students not only learn how to code and build robots but also understand the real-world impact of AI and automation.
By integrating AI into STEM education, we are preparing Botswana’s youth to be innovators, problem-solvers, and industry leaders in the global digital economy.
What You Need to Do Now • Individuals – Start learning about AI, its impact on your life, and how you can adapt your skills to stay relevant in the digital economy. • Students – Use AI responsibly to enhance learning, conduct research, and develop new innovations. Don’t misuse it for shortcuts, such as writing essays for you. Tools like NzuluAI are designed to support learning while still encouraging critical thinking. • Policymakers & Government Officials – Attend the AI Digital Shift Conference to understand the implications of AI, engage with experts, and develop strategies for AI adoption in Botswana’s economy. Government leaders must start planning now to ensure AI policies and regulations are in place before we find ourselves reacting to its disruptions instead of shaping its impact. • Business Owners – AI is revolutionizing industries. Come on board and explore how AI can be implemented in your business to drive efficiency, productivity, and profitability. From automating workflows to predictive analytics and AI-powered customer service, AI can give businesses a competitive edge—if applied the right way.
AI & Cybersecurity Risks
AI brings great advancements, but it also introduces serious cybersecurity threats. AI-driven scams like voice and facial cloning allow fraudsters to create deepfake videos and send fake messages to family members for extortion. AI can also be used for identity theft, financial fraud, and misinformation campaigns. If Botswana does not strengthen its cybersecurity measures, AI could be weaponized against its citizens and businesses.
AI Digital Shift: The Future Starts Now
Botswana must act now to ensure AI becomes a tool for growth, rather than a source of disruption. The AI Digital Shift Conference, hosted in partnership with Mmegi and Stratida, is not just a one-day event—it is the launch of a long-term initiative to upskill, create employment opportunities, and ensure Botswana remains competitive in the AI-driven global economy.
With my experience in building AI-driven companies such as LinkSensi, Kukinta, Minesafe360, NzuluAI, Tenantrix, and the Robotics & Coding Academy, I have developed solutions that are being used both in Africa and internationally. Botswana has the potential to become a leader in AI and digital transformation—but only if we embrace it the right way.
Join the movement. Let’s shape the future of AI for Botswana—together.
For more details and to participate, visit: www.aidigitalshift.co.bw.
Recognizing the urgency to educate, engage, and empower individuals, businesses, and policymakers, Mmegi, Botswana’s most influential media house, has partnered with me, Siphiwe Mabusela, and my company, Stratida, to bring AI to the masses. This partnership is not just about spreading awareness—it is about taking action to ensure that AI becomes a tool for progress rather than a source of disruption.
The Risks of AI: What Botswana Must Get Right
AI is advancing at an unprecedented pace, and while it presents enormous opportunities, it also comes with challenges that must be addressed strategically.
Unemployment & Job Displacement
AI is automating tasks across industries, and if Botswana does not proactively invest in AI-related skills and job creation strategies, we risk a surge in unemployment. Instead of resisting AI, we must harness its potential to create new industries and employment opportunities.
AI & Education: A Double-Edged Sword
AI-powered tools have the potential to enhance learning, but if misused, they could weaken students’ ability to think critically and solve problems. AI must not make students passive consumers of information, but rather active innovators.
This is where solutions like NzuluAI, an AI-driven educational tool I have developed, come into play—helping students learn better without replacing their ability to think. The goal is not to use AI for cheating or shortcuts but rather as a tool to enhance research, critical thinking, and knowledge application.
AI Beyond Just Prompts: Real-World Applications
AI is more than just chatbots and text generation. Its power extends into machine learning, automation, and robotics, transforming sectors like farming, mining, healthcare, and education. • Agriculture: AI-powered precision farming can improve crop yields and optimize water usage. • Mining: AI-integrated robotics in mining can enhance worker safety and operational efficiency. • Healthcare: AI-powered diagnostic tools can detect diseases faster and with greater accuracy. • Education: AI-driven adaptive learning platforms can personalize education for each student’s unique needs. • Business Automation: AI can enhance predictive analytics, supply chain management, and fraud detection.
As someone who has built AI-powered solutions in IoT (Internet of Things) and IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things), integrating AI into real-world applications, I don’t just talk about AI—I actively build and implement it.
My work spans multiple industries through ventures such as: • LinkSensi – AI-powered solutions for the LPG industry, transforming energy management and logistics. • Kukinta – New Energy Solutions & Electric Vehicles, focused on sustainable mobility and smart energy. • Minesafe360 – AI & IoT-powered industrial safety solutions, revolutionizing mining safety and compliance. • Tenantrix – AI-driven real estate and property management solutions. • NzuluAI – Advancing AI in education to create adaptive learning experiences.
Through these businesses, I am actively applying AI and building solutions that are being used across Africa and abroad.
AI for Social Good: Preventing Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
Beyond business and industry, AI can be a powerful tool for social impact. I have developed an AI-driven GBV prevention and reporting app that uses advanced machine learning algorithms to detect, analyze, and provide intervention pathways for victims of gender-based violence. By leveraging AI in this way, we can help protect vulnerable individuals and create a safer society.
Empowering the Next Generation Through Robotics & AI Education
AI and robotics are the foundation of future industries, and ensuring that the next generation is equipped with these skills is crucial. That is why I founded the Robotics & Coding Academy (roboticsacademy.africa), a platform dedicated to teaching young minds the fundamentals of robotics, coding, and AI applications. The academy provides hands-on training, interactive learning experiences, and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that students not only learn how to code and build robots but also understand the real-world impact of AI and automation.
By integrating AI into STEM education, we are preparing Botswana’s youth to be innovators, problem-solvers, and industry leaders in the global digital economy.
What You Need to Do Now • Individuals – Start learning about AI, its impact on your life, and how you can adapt your skills to stay relevant in the digital economy. • Students – Use AI responsibly to enhance learning, conduct research, and develop new innovations. Don’t misuse it for shortcuts, such as writing essays for you. Tools like NzuluAI are designed to support learning while still encouraging critical thinking. • Policymakers & Government Officials – Attend the AI Digital Shift Conference to understand the implications of AI, engage with experts, and develop strategies for AI adoption in Botswana’s economy. Government leaders must start planning now to ensure AI policies and regulations are in place before we find ourselves reacting to its disruptions instead of shaping its impact. • Business Owners – AI is revolutionizing industries. Come on board and explore how AI can be implemented in your business to drive efficiency, productivity, and profitability. From automating workflows to predictive analytics and AI-powered customer service, AI can give businesses a competitive edge—if applied the right way.
AI & Cybersecurity Risks
AI brings great advancements, but it also introduces serious cybersecurity threats. AI-driven scams like voice and facial cloning allow fraudsters to create deepfake videos and send fake messages to family members for extortion. AI can also be used for identity theft, financial fraud, and misinformation campaigns. If Botswana does not strengthen its cybersecurity measures, AI could be weaponized against its citizens and businesses.
AI Digital Shift: The Future Starts Now
Botswana must act now to ensure AI becomes a tool for growth, rather than a source of disruption. The AI Digital Shift Conference, hosted in partnership with Mmegi and Stratida, is not just a one-day event—it is the launch of a long-term initiative to upskill, create employment opportunities, and ensure Botswana remains competitive in the AI-driven global economy.
With my experience in building AI-driven companies such as LinkSensi, Kukinta, Minesafe360, NzuluAI, Tenantrix, and the Robotics & Coding Academy, I have developed solutions that are being used both in Africa and internationally. Botswana has the potential to become a leader in AI and digital transformation—but only if we embrace it the right way.
Join the movement. Let’s shape the future of AI for Botswana—together.
For more details and to participate, visit: www.aidigitalshift.co.bw.
