1. Background and Rationale
Botswana is undergoing rapid digital transformation across government services, financial systems, healthcare, education, and commerce. While digitisation presents immense opportunities for inclusion and economic growth, it has also introduced new forms of risk, exclusion, and vulnerability, particularly for marginalised populations such as elderly citizens, unemployed youth, rural communities, persons with disabilities, and first-time digital users.
Fraud, identity theft, mobile money scams, online impersonation, misinformation, and data misuse are increasing at a pace that far exceeds the general population’s digital literacy levels. Many citizens are interacting daily with digital platforms, financial technologies, and online government services without adequate knowledge of digital safety, privacy rights, or responsible digital behaviour.
This gap has created an urgent need for a structured, community-driven organisation dedicated to building digitally literate, responsible, and protected citizens, with a specific focus on those most at risk of exploitation. It is against this background that the Trust is established.
2. Purpose of the Trust
The Trust is established as a non-profit, public-interest organisation with the primary purpose of advancing digital literacy, digital safety, and responsible digitisation in Botswana, particularly among marginalised and vulnerable populations.
The Trust exists to support Botswana’s national development objectives by contributing to a society where citizens are empowered to use digital technologies safely, confidently, ethically, and lawfully, while understanding their rights and responsibilities in the digital ecosystem.
3. Vision
4. Mission
To reduce digital exclusion, fraud, and misuse of personal data in Botswana by:
- Educating citizens on digital literacy and cyber awareness.
- Promoting responsible digitisation practices.
- Providing mentorship, assistance, and advocacy for marginalised communities.
- Supporting national efforts to strengthen trust in digital services.
5. Target Beneficiaries
The Trust shall prioritise, but not be limited to, the following groups:
- Elderly citizens: particularly those newly introduced to mobile banking, digital government services, and online communication platforms.
- Youth and young adults: including unemployed and under-resourced youth vulnerable to online fraud, misinformation, and cyber exploitation.
- Rural and remote communities: with limited access to structured digital education.
- Marginalised and vulnerable populations: including persons with disabilities and informal sector participants.
- First-time users: of digital financial and government services.
6. Core Objectives
The Trust’s objectives shall include:
- Digital Literacy and Awareness: Delivering community-based training on basic and advanced digital skills; educating citizens on safe use of mobile phones, the internet, social media, and digital financial platforms.
- Fraud Prevention and Cyber Awareness: Raising awareness of common fraud schemes, scams, and digital risks; providing practical guidance on identifying, avoiding, and reporting fraud.
- Responsible Digitisation: Promoting ethical and responsible use of digital technologies; encouraging informed participation in digital platforms and services.
- Data Protection and Privacy Awareness: Educating communities on personal data rights and responsibilities; supporting public understanding of Botswana’s Data Protection legal framework and related regulations.
- Assistance and Mentorship: Offering guidance, mentorship, and referral support to individuals affected by digital harm or exclusion; partnering with relevant institutions to support victims of digital fraud and abuse.
- Policy Engagement and Advocacy: Supporting national digital transformation by contributing informed, community-based perspectives to policy discussions; advocating for inclusive and human-centred digital services.
7. Alignment with Digital Services and Regulatory Developments
The Trust shall operate in alignment with Botswana’s existing and emerging legal and policy frameworks governing digital services, data protection, and cyber security, including but not limited to:
- National digitisation and e-government initiatives;
- Data protection and privacy laws;
- Cybercrime and electronic transactions legislation;
- Emerging digital services regulatory frameworks and international best practices.
Key angles through which the Trust will support Digital Services regulation include:
- Citizen Education: Translating complex digital services laws and policies into practical, understandable guidance for ordinary citizens.
- Digital Rights Awareness: Educating communities on their rights relating to personal data, consent, transparency, and redress.
- Trust in Digital Services: Supporting public confidence in government and private digital platforms through awareness and safe-use programmes.
- Inclusive Implementation: Providing feedback and insights on how digital services affect marginalised populations in practice.
- Capacity Building: Supporting responsible adoption of digital services by ensuring users are informed, cautious, and empowered.
8. Activities of the Trust
To achieve its objectives, the Trust may undertake the following activities:
- Community workshops and outreach programmes;
- Digital literacy clinics and awareness campaigns;
- Educational materials development (print, digital, and audio-visual);
- Partnerships with government, private sector, and civil society organisations;
- Research and documentation of digital inclusion challenges;
- Public seminars, dialogues, and mentorship initiatives.
9. Public Benefit and National Impact
The Trust is established solely for public benefit. Its activities are intended to:
- Reduce fraud and digital exploitation;
- Improve digital inclusion and confidence;
- Support safer adoption of digital financial and government services;
- Strengthen national resilience against cyber threats;
- Contribute to Botswana’s long-term digital transformation goals.
10. Non-Profit and Non-Political Nature
The Trust shall operate on a non-profit basis, and any income or resources shall be applied solely towards achieving its stated objectives. The Trust shall be non-political and independent, operating in the public interest.
Founding Secretariat
Founding Trustee: Tshepang Sports
Telephone: +267 75 179 882
Email: info@thedcfoundation.org
Jurisdiction: Republic of Botswana