A non-profit, public-interest Trust advancing digital literacy, cyber safety and responsible digitisation across Botswana.
Botswana is rapidly embracing the digital era, with 2.09 million internet users representing 81.4% of the population as of the end of 2025. This growing connectivity powers everyday life across the country, where mobile money adoption reached 1.1 million subscribers by March 2024 and generated over P33.5 billion in transaction value in 2023 alone. Alongside this digital expansion, the country strengthened its legal safeguards through the Data Protection Act 2024, which officially came into effect on 14 January 2025. Together, these developments highlight a dynamic digital economy that requires equal investments in public awareness and digital safety.
While digital technology opens up immense opportunities, it also creates new avenues for risk. Financial scams, phishing, identity theft, online impersonation, and cyber fraud pose serious threats to citizens' livelihoods. The Bank of Botswana reported 175 fraudulent transaction cases resulting in P8.16 million in losses during 2024, with an additional 32 cases and P2.26 million in losses recorded in the first half of 2025 alone. These figures demonstrate that access alone is not enough; without practical safety skills, growing connectivity leaves individuals and communities vulnerable to financial and digital harm.
As Botswana accelerates digital transformation across government services, fintech, healthcare, education, and commerce, many citizens interact daily with digital platforms without basic knowledge of privacy rights or cyber protection. The Digital Citizen Foundation was chartered as a public-interest trust to bridge this critical divide—protecting those most at risk of exploitation, turning hesitation into confidence, and ensuring that every Motswana can participate in the digital world informed, protected, and empowered.
To cultivate a nation of digitally literate, resilient, and empowered citizens, capable of participating safely and responsibly in Botswana’s digital economy and digital society.
To reduce digital exclusion, fraud, and misuse of personal data in Botswana through proactive community education, responsible technology advocacy, vulnerable group mentorship, and strengthening citizen trust in the digital society.
While digital technology opens up immense opportunities, it also creates new avenues for risk. Financial scams, phishing, identity theft, and online fraud pose serious threats to citizens' livelihoods.
The Bank of Botswana reported 175 fraudulent transaction cases resulting in P8.16 million in losses during 2024, continuing into 2025 with an additional 32 cases and P2.26 million in losses recorded in the first half of the year alone.
These figures demonstrate that connectivity without practical safety skills leaves everyday citizens and vulnerable communities exposed to severe financial and digital harm.
Defined in the Trust Charter to guide our upcoming programmes, policy interventions, and community clinics across the country.
Delivering community-based training on basic and advanced digital skills, smartphone navigation, online banking, and e-government platforms.
Raising aggressive public awareness against mobile money scams, phishing SMSs, fake job offers, and online social engineering traps.
Promoting ethical conduct, digital civility, countering online harassment, and fostering safe digital habits for families and businesses.
Translating Botswana’s Data Protection legal framework into clear, actionable citizen knowledge on consent, Omang protection, and privacy rights.
Offering guidance, referral pathways, and support to individuals and families who have suffered digital fraud or cyber extortion.
Providing grassroots community insights to national policy discussions, ensuring Botswana's digital transformation remains human-centred.
Technology will continue to change. New opportunities will emerge, and new risks will follow. The Digital Citizen Foundation exists to help people navigate that change with knowledge, confidence and the ability to protect themselves.
We are working towards a Botswana where every citizen can participate in the digital world—not just connected, but informed, protected and empowered.