Afcacia

As data costs continue to rise in Botswana, the government’s initiative to offer free WiFi is gaining significant popularity across the country. The program, which was initially launched to bridge the digital divide and promote internet accessibility, has seen a dramatic increase in usage as more citizens look for ways to stay connected without breaking the bank.

In recent months, data prices have surged, making internet access increasingly unaffordable for many Batswana. The cost of internet access remains steep, with 10GB of data costing as much as P1400 ($103), a significant amount compared to the country’s minimum wage of P1500 ($111). This high cost has long been a barrier to internet access, particularly for young people, despite the growing demand.

In Botswana, internet access is costly, with 10GB of data priced at around P1400 ($103), a significant amount considering the country’s minimum wage of P1500 ($111). This high cost has long limited internet access, especially for young people, despite increasing demand.

To address this issue, Botswana launched the SmartBots initiative in 2019, offering free WiFi in public spaces. Over the past five years, the initiative has been a huge success, attracting over 1.6 million users. As a result, internet penetration in Botswana soared from 42% in 2019 to 77% in 2024, greatly improving access for low-income communities.

SmartBots routers, delivering speeds of up to 10Mbps, have been installed in more than 1,100 public locations, including clinics, schools, and traditional meeting places called dikgotla. These spots serve over 130,000 people daily. The government now plans to expand this connectivity to more than 500 villages.

Botswana’s telecommunications infrastructure faces significant challenges due to the country’s small, widely dispersed population of 2.4 million, leading to high service costs that telecom companies often pass on to consumers.

Kago and Tumelo, both 15 and in Form 2, tell their parents they use SmartBots for school assignments. However, they mostly enjoy watching football highlights on YouTube and browsing TikTok. Thanks to SmartBots, these teenagers now have convenient access to the internet.

“We come here every evening because the internet is free, doesn’t require a password, and is close to home, so we can stay out late,” Tumelo said.

Pontsho Pusoitsile, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Communications, Knowledge, and Technology, explained the broader goal: “Our mission is to connect all settlements in the country before expanding to more remote, concentrated farming areas.”

Over time, SmartBots has developed a diverse user base, from students to older adults. For younger users, SmartBots is utilized for various activities, including social media, job applications, downloading entertainment, and even forex trading, which has gained popularity among Botswana’s youth amid high unemployment.

Daniel, a 21-year-old, regularly visits the Tshwaragano Clinic SmartBots hotspot after work around 5:30 pm. He uses the free service for social media, phone updates, and advancing his side hustle in forex trading.

“The free internet is great because I’m learning forex trading, and my friends believe it’s a quick way to make money if you’re smart about it,” Daniel said.

However, SmartBots does have some limitations. The service relies on household-grade routers, so speeds can vary depending on the number of users online. To avoid slow connections, many users, including students, prefer using it during off-peak hours, such as early in the morning or late at night.

Mooketsi, a 55-year-old, often visits the Monarch kgotla SmartBots hotspot around 7 pm when the student crowds start to thin out. He connects to the WiFi three times a week to download study materials for his 11-year-old daughter, who is preparing for her Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE).

“I want her to succeed and go to university, so these materials I’m downloading will be very helpful,” he said.

While the convenience of SmartBots’ open WiFi is undeniable, cybersecurity experts warn about the risks of using unsecured networks. The lack of a password or user authentication increases the vulnerability to cyberattacks.

“A malicious person could easily exploit the network since there’s no password protection or verification,” cautioned cybersecurity expert Larona Olebile.

Officials from the Ministry of Communications, Knowledge, and Technology have yet to address cybersecurity concerns about the SmartBots program. However, users seem more focused on the benefits of free internet access than on potential security risks.

As one user expressed, “Le rona re bata tshwana le bana ba malwapa a mangwe,” which translates to “We too want to be connected like the rest of the world.”

Nevertheless, the free WiFi initiative remains a popular and essential service in Botswana, reflecting the growing need for affordable internet access in today’s digital age. As the program continues to evolve, it is likely to play a key role in shaping the country’s digital future and ensuring that all Batswana can participate in the global online community.