Grace Ashiru
In Botswana, the cost of internet subscriptions remains high. For example, 10GB of data may cost as much as P1400 ($103), a significant amount given the country’s minimum wage of P1500 ($111). This pricing structure has historically restricted access to the internet for many, especially the youth, despite growing demand.
To address this, Botswana launched the SmartBots initiative in 2019, providing free WiFi routers in public areas. Five years later, this project has seen remarkable success, amassing over 1.6 million users. As a result, internet penetration surged from 42% in 2019 to 77% in 2024, with SmartBots playing a crucial role in increasing access for low-income citizens.
SmartBots routers, which offer speeds up to 10Mbps, have been installed in over 1,100 public facilities, including clinics, schools, and dikgotla (traditional courtyards). These facilities see an average daily usage by more than 130,000 individuals. The government now aims to extend this connectivity to over 500 villages.
The challenge of providing telecommunications infrastructure in Botswana is exacerbated by its small and dispersed population of 2.4 million, leading to high 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 educational resources. However, they mostly enjoy watching football highlights on YouTube and browsing TikTok. Thanks to SmartBots, these teens now have unparalleled access to the internet.
“We come here every evening because it offers free internet, no password is needed, and it’s close to our homes, allowing us to stay out late,” says Tumelo to TechCabal.
Pontsho Pusoitsile, the permanent secretary at the ministry of communications, knowledge, and technology, shared their broader goal: “Our primary mission is to connect all the settlements in the country before expanding to the more isolated, concentrated farming areas.”
Over time, SmartBots has cultivated a diverse user base, from students to elderly users. Among the younger demographic, SmartBots is used for a variety of purposes, including social media access, job applications, downloading entertainment, and even forex trading, which has become increasingly popular among Botswana’s youth amid high unemployment rates.
Daniel, a 21-year-old, regularly visits the Tshwaragano Clinic SmartBots hotspot, arriving around 5:30 pm after his workday ends. He frequents this spot at least four times a week, staying late into the evening to surf the internet. He primarily uses the free service for social media, phone updates, and to advance his side hustle in forex trading.
“The free internet is beneficial as I’m learning forex trading, and my friends believe that with the right savvy, it can be a quick way to make money,” Daniel explained to TechCabal.
Nonetheless, the SmartBots service has its drawbacks. It operates on a household-grade router, which means its speed fluctuates based on user volume. To avoid slow speeds, most patrons, including many students, prefer using the service during off-peak hours, like early mornings and late evenings, when fewer users are online.
Mooketsi, a 55-year-old, routinely visits the Monarch kgotla SmartBots hotspot around 7 pm, a time when student crowds begin to thin. He connects to the WiFi at least three times a week to obtain revision materials for his 11-year-old daughter, who is preparing for her Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE).
“I want her to succeed and eventually attend university, so these materials I’m downloading will be very beneficial for her,” he explained to TechCabal.
While the convenience of SmartBots’ open Wi-Fi is undeniable, cybersecurity experts caution against the inherent risks associated with such networks. The absence of a password or any form of user authentication increases the likelihood of cyberattacks.
“A malicious individual gaining access to the router could easily compromise users since the network lacks password protection or verification,” stated Larona Olebile, a cybersecurity expert.
Officials at the Ministry of Communications, Knowledge, and Technology have not yet responded to inquiries regarding cybersecurity issues with SmartBots. Nonetheless, users appear to be unfazed by these security risks, prioritizing unhindered internet access above all else.
One user expressed, “Le rona re bata tshwana le bana ba malwapa a mangwe,” which roughly translates to “We too want to be connected like the rest of the world.”
