Botswana launches its first national data center, aiming for digital independence 🇧🇼💾

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On November 25, 2025, Botswana’s Minister of State at the Presidency, Moeti Ceaser Mohwasa, inaugurated the Digital Delta Data Centre (DDDC), the country’s first national data hub. The project is a cornerstone of the government’s digital transformation agenda, spearheaded by President Duma Gideon Boko.

A foundation for a data-driven economy 🚀

By launching the DDDC, Botswana is equipping itself with an infrastructure deemed essential for supporting a growing data-driven economy.

“The Digital Delta Data Centre is more than just infrastructure; it’s the foundation of our digital economy, a tool to safeguard our data and foster innovation for generations to come,” said Minister Mohwasa.

He highlighted that the DDDC is part of a broader government program designed to manage, store, and organize national data in compliance with existing regulations.

The new center will enhance the security of both public and private data while providing a reliable technological backbone for businesses and institutions looking to modernize their operations.

A world-class data center 🌐

The DDDC recently earned Tier III certification from the Uptime Institute, one of the most stringent international standards. This ensures that the facility can operate continuously even during maintenance, guaranteeing high availability of services.

“This international recognition demonstrates that Botswana is ready to compete regionally and globally in digital services,” the minister added.

He noted that the certification reinforces the country’s technical capabilities and its strategic position in regional and international digital markets.

Strengthening digital sovereignty 🛡️

The 2024 Data Protection Act positions the DDDC as a critical element in managing national data. With this infrastructure, Botswana can now store, protect, and govern its data within its own borders.

“Data is a strategic asset. This center ensures that Botswana fully controls its digital future,” emphasized Minister Mohwasa.

Enhanced digital sovereignty will boost confidence among citizens, businesses, and international partners. Hosting data locally also aligns with legal requirements for data protection, sovereignty, and information flow control.

Driving economic transformation 📈

The DDDC is a key pillar of Botswana’s Economic Transformation Programme, which aims to diversify the economy through emerging tech sectors. The center will open new opportunities in:

• Fintech
• Artificial intelligence
• Cloud services
• Digital entrepreneurship
• Data analytics

It will also support the National Development Plan 12, focused on data-driven decision-making and improving public services. The minister underscored the project’s social impact:

“This facility not only strengthens our digital capabilities but also creates job opportunities for young professionals in technology and innovation,” he said.

A regional digital hub in southern Africa 🌍

Botswana aims to become a regional digital hub, serving a potential market of over 350 million people. The DDDC is more than just technology; it is the foundation of a national vision for a modern, competitive, and fully digital future.

Minister Mohwasa noted that the construction of the center involved young technicians and engineers, tying into broader initiatives for professional training and workforce development in public tech projects. Upcoming phases will focus on expanding digital services and reinforcing national and regional hosting capacities.

Do you think African data centers can become true engines of digital independence?