2
¾ ICT-enabling Legislation
2.3
Seven countries were selected as relevant ICT benchmarks for
Botswana: Estonia (similar population and GDP); Malaysia (middleincome export-based economy dominated by ICT growth); Mauritius
(shift from agricultural to diversified economy); Namibia (heavily
dependent on mineral exports); South Africa (closely linked to the
Botswana economy); Trinidad and Tobago (large mineral exports and
strong destination for ICT investment); and Canada (shift from rural to
highly skilled labour base and economy resembling that of the United
States).
2.4
A variety of common and respected international data sources were
used, such as the United Nations, the World Bank and the World
Economic Forum. Common data for each country were charted and
compared against one another. The data was analysed for insights,
correlations or implied causation. The results reveal each country’s level
of ICT development in each category relative to the selected comparator
countries.
The ICT Benchmarking and Best Practices Report found that Botswana is a
country where information and communication technology has yet to provide
society-wide benefits. A national ICT programme for Botswana must address
the following observations:
¾ ICT usage in homes and communities has been sporadic to date.
Whether this is due to other social and economic challenges facing the
government is not clear. Various other countries around the world,
however, have proved that development can be a product of investment
in ICT and not a prerequisite to investment.
¾ The state of health care in Botswana is dominated by the AIDS/HIV
crisis. Technology alone cannot solve this problem. Improved
communications associated with a national ICT programme can
nonetheless provide an opportunity to extend the reach of AIDS/HIV
awareness and allow citizens to readily find assistance and information.
¾ Public education is a high priority in Botswana, based on spending
levels. The country, however, is still significantly constrained by low
levels of literacy and enrolment in tertiary education. Basic education is
a prerequisite to participate fully in the information economy. At
present, too many people lack these basic and necessary skills.
¾ A survey of the ICT market was finalised in November 2004 to support
the National e-Readiness Assessment completed in July 2004. The