• Orange Botswana and Special Economic Zones Authority signed a strategic agreement to modernize digital infrastructure in special economic zones.

• The partnership will deploy IoT-based services, smart security systems and advanced connectivity solutions.

• Botswana aims to boost investment attractiveness and diversify its economy beyond mining through digitally enabled zones.

Orange Botswana and the Special Economic Zones Authority have signed a strategic partnership to modernize digital infrastructure across the country’s investment hubs. The parties formalized the agreement on Friday, March 13 through a memorandum of understanding that defines a framework for technical innovation and the deployment of tailored connected solutions.

This initiative comes as Botswana seeks to strengthen the competitiveness of its special economic zones in a broader push to diversify its economy. Nene Maiga emphasized the role of connectivity in economic performance. “Digital connectivity is now a key driver of economic competitiveness. Through this collaboration, we aim to strengthen ICT and telecommunications capabilities in these zones so that businesses operating there can benefit from modern digital solutions,” she said.

Therefore, the partnership positions digital infrastructure as a central pillar of investment attractiveness. The agreement focuses on integrating advanced technologies within special economic zones. Orange Botswana plans to deploy Internet of Things (IoT) services to support public utility management. The company will also implement smart security systems and advanced connectivity solutions.

These technologies aim to transform the zones into smart ecosystems capable of meeting the productivity requirements of international investors. The partnership aligns with Botswana’s broader economic diversification strategy. The government seeks to reduce reliance on the mining sector by promoting industrialization and attracting foreign investment.

Special economic zones play a central role in this policy framework. Authorities use these zones to offer regulatory and fiscal incentives designed to attract industrial, logistics and service companies.

As digital transformation accelerates, the competitiveness of these zones increasingly depends on the quality of technological infrastructure, including connectivity, digital platforms and smart services.

 Samira Njoya