Botswana Expands Free Wi-Fi Access Amidst High Internet Costs

In a significant move to bridge the digital divide, Botswana’s SmartBots initiative continues to transform public access to the internet, especially for low-income citizens. Launched in 2019 as part of Botswana’s Digital Transformation Strategy, SmartBots aims to enhance public service delivery and foster a knowledge-based economy by providing free Wi-Fi in public spaces. The initiative has made remarkable progress over the past five years, with over 1.6 million users and a surge in internet penetration from 42% in 2019 to 77% in 2024.

SmartBots routers, offering speeds of up to 10Mbps, have been installed in more than 1,100 public facilities, including clinics, schools, and traditional courtyards (dikgotla). These routers are accessed by an average of 130,000 users daily, and the government plans to extend connectivity to over 500 villages. The initiative is a game-changer in a country where high internet costs—up to P1400 ($103) for 10GB of data—have long restricted access for many, particularly the youth.

Bridging the Digital Divide

Botswana’s small and dispersed population of 2.4 million has made it expensive for telecommunications companies to provide widespread infrastructure, leading to high consumer costs. With the introduction of SmartBots, however, individuals from various socio-economic backgrounds now have greater access to the internet. For example, 15-year-old students Kago and Tumelo regularly use SmartBots to access educational resources—but more often for watching football highlights and scrolling through TikTok.

“We are here every evening because the internet is free, there is no password, and it’s close to where we stay, so we can leave late in the evening,” Tumelo shared.

The impact of SmartBots extends far beyond recreational use. It is a lifeline for students, job seekers, and those pursuing side businesses. For 21-year-old Daniel, a regular at the Tshwaragano Clinic SmartBots hotspot, the free internet service is invaluable for his side hustle in forex trading. “The free internet is helpful because I’m learning forex, and my friends say with enough wits, I can make easy money,” he told TechCabal.

Transforming Education and Community Connectivity

SmartBots is also aiding educational endeavours across Botswana. Mooketsi, a 55-year-old father, frequently uses the Monarch kgotla hotspot to download revision materials for his daughter, who is preparing for her Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE). “I want her to pass and eventually go to university, so this revision material I download will help her a lot,” Mooketsi explained.

The initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision to connect all settlements in Botswana. Pontsho Pusoitsile, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications, Knowledge, and Technology, emphasised, “Our biggest mission is to connect all the settlements in the country and then move to the concentrated but isolated farming areas.”

Addressing Challenges and Security Concerns

Despite its widespread success, SmartBots faces some challenges. The service operates on household-grade routers, causing speeds to fluctuate based on user volume. To avoid slow connections, many users, including students, access the service during off-peak hours, such as early mornings or late evenings.

Moreover, cybersecurity experts have raised concerns about the open nature of SmartBots’ Wi-Fi networks, which lack password protection. Larona Olebile, a cybersecurity professional, warned, “If a malicious party accesses the router, they can easily hack users as the service does not use a password or any form of verification.”

While these security concerns are acknowledged, users remain undeterred, prioritising access over potential risks. “Le rona re bata tshwana le bana ba malwapa a mangwe,” said one user, which loosely translates to, “We too want to be connected like the rest of the world.”

Looking Forward

Botswana’s SmartBots initiative is a testament to the country’s commitment to digital inclusion. By providing free Wi-Fi in public spaces, the program is helping to democratise internet access, empowering individuals with the tools they need for education, employment, and personal growth. As the government aims to expand this service to more villages and rural areas, the future of digital connectivity in Botswana looks promising, bringing the country closer to its goal of becoming a knowledge-based economy.

SmartBots is not just about internet access; it is about giving Botswana the opportunity to participate in the global digital landscape, fostering a more connected and empowered society.