Africa-Press – Botswana. President Advocate Duma Boko is back home after concluding his three-day State Visit to Estonia, a reciprocation of his Estonian counterpart, President Alar Karis’ own visit to Botswana last year.
It was a significant occurrence in President Boko’s duty as head of state since it was his maiden State Visit but even more symbolic, was that he was the first African head of state to pay a visit to Estonia. Better explained by President Alar Karis when he said: “It is affirmation of the friendship between the two countries and their willingness to pursue deeper cooperation, which will grow into a bright, unbreakable bond, like a carefully polished diamond.”
He recalled his visit to Botswana March last year and confirmed that Botswana was an important partner to Estonia.
As Botswana charts its path toward a digitally-driven economy, Estonia offers valuable insights and proven solutions that can help fast-track the ambitions and better serve the community.
With government fully committed to digital transformation, an area in which Estonia commands experience and expertise in, the experience will come in handy for Botswana to tap into as well as strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation with international institutions.
Meanwhile, during the official talks, President Boko and President Karis discussed key areas where Botswana could learn from Estonia’s globally admired digital transformation journey, particularly e-governance, cyber security and innovation ecosystems.
In an effort to gain deeper insights into how digital governance has transformed service delivery, improved transparency and empowered citizens, President Boko also engaged with officials at the e-Estonia briefing centre.
This was followed by an engagement with Estonia tech companies during the Botswana-Estonia Business Summit, where they showcased innovations that could enhance Botswana’s own digital infrastructure and solutions across sectors such as health, education and finance.
President Boko also toured the Tallinn University of Technology, a hub for cutting-edge research and collaboration between the academia and the industry, as well as the Unicorn Squad, a robotics and technology programme designed exclusively for girls.
These engagements, President Boko stated that represented practical lessons and opportunities that would shape how Botswana rolled out its digital agenda and created a Botswana that was inclusive, innovative and ready for the future.
He also had a closed door meeting with Estonia Prime Minister, Mr Kristen Michal and laid a wreath at the foot of the War of Independence Victory Column. President Boko’s visit underscored the enduring relationship between Botswana and Estonia and aimed to reinforce a multifaceted partnership.
It is also anticipated to yield significant results on various collaborative initiatives, fostering a path towards mutual growth and development, marking a significant milestone in the government’s pursuit of sustainable digitalised economy focused on the needs of the people. President Boko was accompanied by Minister for International Relations, Dr Phenyo Butale, Minister of Communications and Innovation, Mr David Tshere, Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Mr Tiroeaone Ntsima, Assistant Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Mr Justin Hunyepa and senior government officials as well as representatives from the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre.
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