By 2023, Botswana began intensifying its focus on cybersecurity as digital services expanded across government, telecoms, and finance. Policymakers increasingly recognised cyber‑risk as a national development issue rather than just a technical one. The country launched its National Cybersecurity Strategy, which set out to protect critical national information infrastructure and build resilience against rising cybercrime.

A major step forward was the strengthening of the national incident response capability. The Communications Computer Incident Response Team (CommCIRT) was upgraded to function as a national CERT, tasked with monitoring threats and coordinating responses across ministries and private operators. Botswana also deepened cooperation with other SADC states, recognising that cyber threats often cross borders and require regional intelligence‑sharing.

Capacity building became a priority. Civil servants, law enforcement officers, and technical staff were enrolled in training programmes covering digital forensics, cyber‑law enforcement, and secure system design. These efforts were supported by partnerships with universities and international organisations.

Still, challenges remain. The local cybersecurity workforce is small, and regulatory frameworks require further clarity and enforcement. Public awareness of cyber hygiene is limited, leaving citizens and SMEs vulnerable to scams and ransomware.