For an explanation of how to read this resource, please refer to the guide at the bottom.
AI Regulation
There is no regulation specifically governing AI in the country.
Definitions of AI
As the country is yet to establish AI regulations, there is no formal definition of AI.
Core Principles
As the country is yet to establish AI regulations, there is no formal statement of core AI principles.
Public Consultations
Based on publicly available information, we have not found evidence of invitations for public input on AI governance in the country.
Existing Legal Framework
A non-exhaustive list of regulations that might affect AI in the country includes:
- Constitution of Botswana1
- Vision 20362
- Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, 2014 (Act No. 14 of 2014)3
- Data Protection Act, 2024 (Act No. 18 of 2024)4
- Cybercrime and Computer Related Crimes Act, 2018 (Act No. 18 of 2018)5
- Consumer Protection Act, 2018 (Act No. 5 of 2018)6
Human Rights
The UDHR was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1948. Its principles are considered universal and applicable to all UN member states. As a member of the UN, Botswana has committed to upholding the principles of the UDHR. The Constitution of Botswana includes provisions that protect fundamental human rights.7 Sections 3, 9, and 12 guarantee the right to privacy (protection of home and other property, freedom to communicate without interference, and freedom from interference with correspondence). Other protections include the rights to life (Section 4), freedom of expression (Section 12), and non-discrimination (Section 15). Botswana has ratified several key international human rights instruments, including the ACHPR and ICCPR. However, the country has not signed or ratified the ICESCR or the Malabo Convention.
Regulators
A non-exhaustive list of regulators that might impact AI in the country includes:
- Ministry of Communications, Knowledge and Technology8
- Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA)9
- Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology10
- Information and Data Protection Commission
- Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS)11
- Competition and Consumer Authority (CCA)12
- Office of the Ombudsman13
R&D and Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives
The Botswana Digital & Innovation Hub (BDIH)14 operates under the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology. It has partnered with the Alliance for Accelerating Excellence in Science in Africa (AAESA) to launch Grand Challenges Botswana (GC Botswana).15 A part of Grand Challenges Africa, GC Botswana supports local innovators who develop solutions using Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, such as AI and big data analytics.16 BDIH also oversees the Botswana Innovation Fund, which provides grants to qualifying projects.17 AAESA is an initiative of the African Academy of Sciences, the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD), and global partners.18
In February 2025, it was reported that Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) and Botswana Railways had entered into a partnership to advance research, innovation, and skills development within the railway and transportation sectors.19 The initiative aims to explore AI and related technologies to enhance railway operations.20
Professional/Industry Associations
Based on publicly available information, we have not found evidence of professional or industry associations dedicated to AI in the country.
Advisory Bodies and Expert Groups
Based on publicly available information, we have not found evidence of advisory bodies or expert groups dedicated to AI in the country.
Guide
- AI Regulation: The term "regulation", as used in this resource, encompasses measures ranging from binding laws to national AI policies and strategies, government proposals, advisory guidelines, and industry standards that address AI systems and their implications.
- Existing Legal Framework: This section outlines the relevant legal framework, excluding any AI-specific regulations presented in the initial section.
- Human Rights: The following terms have the stated meanings: "ACHPR" means the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, "ICCPR" means the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, "ICESCR" means the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, "Malabo Convention" means the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection, "UDHR" means the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and "UN" means the United Nations. Any reference to an “Article” or “Section” of the Constitution is to the version of the Constitution referenced herein.
- Advisory Bodies and Expert Groups: This section excludes legislative and parliamentary committees.
