Leveraging 5G, artificial intelligence and blockchain integration for accelerating digital economic outcomes in Botswana: A strategic framework for leapfrogging development
Tshepho Bathai
Abstract
This study is concerned with the possible accelerated development of Botswana through the incorporation of fifth generation (5G) connectivity, edge-based artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain technologies into the digital economy. The study adopts a systematic review of secondary sources, guided by the PRISMA methodology, to achieve transparency and structure in the selection of evidence. The primary documents used come from multilateral agencies, policy documents, sectoral reports, and audited digital transformation statistics from Botswana and other African countries. Botswana's case study evidence is analyzed using the Digital Transformation of Africa survey while the framework evidence is analyzed through the prism of three principal pillars of digital infrastructure: connectivity, intelligence, and trust. The study also uses the theory of change model to connect foundational digital enablers, such as spectrum management, cybersecurity, and data governance, to economic productivity, institutional efficiency, and digital inclusion. The coordinated use of 5G technology, AI, and blockchain technology improves operational decision-making speed, lowers transaction costs, and enhances accountability in data-intensive settings. Evidence from digital credit processing, cross-border logistics, and agriculture shows that real-time data processing and automated verification systems improve operational efficiency. This study finds that digital inclusion increases remote onboarding, mobile-based service delivery, and alternative-data financial models, although inadequate data and rural connectivity gaps continue to slow adoption in many areas. The study outlines the need for a prioritized digital transformation strategy covering digital payments, trade logistics, agriculture, and integrated systems for national digital identity, data exchange, and public procurement that are verifiably secure.
Keywords
digital leapfrogging, digitalization, digital inclusion, digital public infrastructure
Author information & Contribution
PhD Student, Institute of Distance Education, University of Zambia. Email: bathaison@yahoo.com
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.
Funding
This work was not supported by any funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement
Not Applicable
Data and Materials Availability
The data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
AI Declaration
AI tools were not used in writing this paper.
Notes
Acknowledgement
References
Adams, R., Adeleke, F., Florido, A., de Magalhães Santos, L. G., Grossman, N., Junck, L., & Stone, K. (2024). Global index on responsible AI 2024. Global Center on AI Governance. https://www.global-index.ai/report
Adjorlolo, G., Abdul-Rahman, H., & Addo, S. T. (2025). Evaluating corruption-prone public procurement stages for blockchain integration in developing countries. Systems, 13(4), Article 267. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13040267
African Union Commission. (2020). The digital transformation strategy for Africa (2020–2030). African Union. https://au.int/sites/default/files/documents/38507-doc-DTS_for_Africa_2020-2030_English.pdf
African Union Commission. (2022). AU data policy framework. African Union. https://au.int/en/documents/20220728/au-data-policy-framework
African Union Commission. (2024). African digital compact. African Union. https://au.int/sites/default/files/documents/44005-doc-EN_African_Digital_Compact_-_July_2024.pdf
African Union Commission. (2024). Continental artificial intelligence strategy. African Union. https://au.int/sites/default/files/documents/44004-doc-EN-_Continental_AI_Strategy_July_2024.pdf
African Union Development Agency-NEPAD. (2025). AI roadmap for Africa 2025–2030. AUDA-NEPAD. https://apet.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/AI-Roadmap-for-Africa-2025-2030%20_14%20Feb2.pdf
Ajibade, P., & Mutula, S. M. (2020). Big data, 4IR, and electronic banking and banking systems applications in South Africa and Nigeria. Banks and Bank Systems, 15(2), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.21511/bbs.15(2).2020.17
ALT Advisory. (2022). AI governance in Africa: An overview of regulation and policy work on artificial intelligence in Africa. https://ai.altadvisory.africa/wp-content/uploads/AI-Governance-in-Africa-2022.pdf
Bank of Botswana. (2023). Annual banking sector report 2023.
Bau, V., & Calandro, E. (2020). The experience of internet freedom among African users. International Journal of Communication, 14, 3403–3425.
Beltozar-Clemente, S., Iparraguirre-Villanueva, O., Pucuhuayla-Revatta, F., Sierra-Liñan, F., Zapata-Paulini, J., & Cabanillas-Carbonell, M. (2023). Contributions of the 5G network with respect to decent work and economic growth (Sustainable Development Goal 8): A systematic review of the literature. Sustainability, 15(22), Article 15776. https://doi.org/10.3390/su152215776
Bewlay, L. (2025). Digital-ID in Botswana: Country report. Institute of Development Studies. https://doi.org/10.19088/IDS.2025.064
Brynjolfsson, E., & McAfee, A. (2017). Machine, platform, crowd: Harnessing our digital future. W. W. Norton & Company.
Buehler, K., Corsi, A., Jurišić, M., Lerner, L., Siani, A., & Weintraub, B. (2024, March 22). Scaling gen AI in banking: Choosing the best operating model. McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/financial-services/our-insights/scaling-gen-ai-in-banking-choosing-the-best-operating-model
BW TechZone. (2022). Orange launches a commercial 5G network and a digital center in Botswana. https://www.bwtechzone.com/2022/11/orange-launches-commercial-5g-network.html
Cilliers, J. (2021). Technological innovation and the power of leapfrogging. In The future of Africa. Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-46590-2_10
Clark, J., Marin, G., Ardic Alper, O. P., & Galicia Rabadan, G. A. (2025). Digital public infrastructure and development: A World Bank Group approach. World Bank Group. https://doi.org/10.1596/42935
Collins, C., Dennehy, D., Conboy, K., & Mikalef, P. (2021). Artificial intelligence in information systems research: A systematic literature review and research agenda. International Journal of Information Management, 60, Article 102383. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2021.102383
Demirgüç-Kunt, A., Klapper, L., Singer, D., & Ansar, S. (2022). The Global Findex database 2021: Financial inclusion, digital payments, and resilience in the age of COVID-19. World Bank. https://doi.org/10.1596/978-1-4648-1897-4
Digital Cooperation Organization. (2025). Digital public infrastructure: A key building block for social inclusion and economic development. https://dco.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DPI-Policy-Paper.pdf
Duan, K., Pang, G., & Zhong, R. Y. (2023). Exploring the current status and future opportunities of blockchain applications in supply chain management. Cleaner Logistics and Supply Chain, 7, Article 100111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clscn.2023.100111
Elouaourti, Z., & Ibourk, A. (2024). Unveiling the drivers of Africa’s digital financial inclusion journey. African Development Review, 36(1), 84–96. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8268.12733
Gaffley, G., & Adams, L. (2024). Regulatory frameworks for fintech development in Africa: Lessons for Botswana. African Economic Review, 21(2), 97–112.
Gapp, B., de Fauconberg, Â., Bessis, A., Goble, H., & Obodoekwe, N. (2022). Digital finance in Africa: Accelerating foundations for inclusive and sustainable local innovation. Environmental Sciences Proceedings, 15(1), Article 66. https://doi.org/10.3390/environsciproc2022015066
Global Data Barometer. (2022). Procurement data insights from the Global Data Barometer: Trends from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. https://globaldatabarometer.org/module/procurement/
GSMA. (2022). 5G in Africa: Realising the potential. https://www.gsma.com/subsaharanafrica/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/5G-IN-AFRICA-REPORT.pdf
GSMA. (2024). The mobile economy Sub-Saharan Africa 2024. https://event-assets.gsma.com/pdf/GSMA_ME_SSA_2024_Web.pdf
GSMA. (2023). 5G in Africa 2023: Market status, trends and outlook. https://event-assets.gsma.com/pdf/5G-in-Africa-2023.pdf
Guo, D., Liu, J., & Zhao, X. (2026). A comparative study of digital literacy and access in rural and urban Africa. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 13, Article 833. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-026-06553-0
Hong, Z., Zheng, C., & Li, Y. (2024). Digital economy structuring for sustainable development. Scientific Reports, 14, Article 5443. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-53760-3
International Telecommunication Union. (2021). Global cybersecurity index 2020. https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-d/opb/str/D-STR-GCI.01-2021-PDF-E.pdf
Ishak, S., Shaharudin, M. R., Salim, N. A. M., Zainoddin, A. I., & Deng, Z. (2023). The effect of supply chain adaptive strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic on firm performance in Malaysia’s semiconductor industries. Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, 24, 439–458. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40171-023-00347-y
Javaid, M., Haleem, A., Singh, R. P., & Sinha, A. K. (2024). Digital economy to improve the culture of Industry 4.0: A study on features, implementation and challenges. Green Technologies and Sustainability, 2(2), Article 100083. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.grets.2024.100083
Koratagere Anantha Kumar, S., & Oughton, E. J. (2023). Techno-economic assessment of 5G infrastructure sharing business models in rural areas. Frontiers in Computer Science, 5, Article 1191853. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcomp.2023.1191853
Kouladoum, J. C. (2023). Digital infrastructural development and inclusive growth in Sub-Saharan Africa. Journal of Social and Economic Development, 25(2), 403–427. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40847-023-00240-5
Light Reading. (2022). BoFiNet builds national DWDM backbone network with Ribbon’s advanced solutions. Light Reading. https://www.lightreading.com/broadband/bofinet-builds-national-dwdm-backbone-network-with-ribbons-advanced-solutions/d/d-id/779284
Mbae, B. B., Mpabanga, D., Dick-Sagoe, C., Odoom, D., & Adams, I. (2025). Digital transformation and e-service delivery in African public sector organisations: Insights into Botswana’s Ministry of Agriculture. Digital Society, 4, Article 37. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44206-025-00186-7
Moncus, J. J., Hedlin, K., & Sladdin, C. (2024). Technology trends in customer service and support 2024. Gartner. https://www.gartner.com/en/documents/5703551
Mothobi, O., & Gillwald, A. (2021). The state of ICT in Sub-Saharan Africa: Digital infrastructure, affordability and readiness for 5G. Research ICT Africa. https://researchictafrica.net/research/state-of-ict-in-south-africa/
Mphale, O., Gorejena, K. N., & Nojila, O. H. (2024). IoT adoption in Botswana’s SMEs: Technological readiness and government initiatives. Journal of Information Systems and Informatics, 6(4), 2419–2446. https://doi.org/10.51519/journalisi.v6i4.885
Musoni, M., Domingo, E., & Ogah, E. (2023). Digital ID systems in Africa: Challenges, risks and opportunities (ECDPM Discussion Paper No. 360). ECDPM. https://ecdpm.org/work/digital-id-systems-africa-challenges-risks-and-opportunities
Mvubu, M., & Naude, M. J. (2024). Blockchain in the logistics sector: A systematic literature review of benefits and constraints. Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management, 18, Article a1068. https://doi.org/10.4102/jtscm.v18i0.1068
Naicker, D., & Moodley, N. (2024). Challenges of user data privacy in self-sovereign identity verifiable credentials for autonomous building access during the COVID-19 pandemic. Frontiers in Blockchain, 7, Article 1374655. https://doi.org/10.3389/fbloc.2024.1374655
Ndung’u, N. (2022). Regulatory sandboxes and digital finance growth in Africa. African Fintech Regulatory Review, 7, 89–104.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2024). Digital public infrastructure for digital governments (OECD Public Governance Policy Papers No. 68). OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/ff525dc8-en
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2026). AI governance in Africa. In OECD artificial intelligence case studies. OECD Publishing. https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/oecd-artificial-intelligence-case-studies_c517fcf5-en/ai-governance-in-africa_1ff55135-en.html
Osabutey, E. L. C., & Jackson, T. (2024). Mobile money and financial inclusion in Africa: Emerging themes, challenges and policy implications. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 202, Article 123339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2024.123339
Oughton, E. J. (2023). Estimating digital infrastructure investment needs to achieve universal broadband (IMF Working Paper No. WP/23/27). International Monetary Fund. https://www.imf.org/-/media/files/publications/wp/2023/english/wpiea2023027-print-pdf.pdf
Oughton, E. J., Amaglobeli, D., & Moszoro, M. (2023). What would it cost to connect the unconnected? Estimating global universal broadband infrastructure investment. Telecommunications Policy, 47(10), Article 102670. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.telpol.2023.102670
Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., Brennan, S. E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J. M., Hróbjartsson, A., Lalu, M. M., Li, T., Loder, E. W., Mayo-Wilson, E., McDonald, S., McGuinness, L. A., Stewart, L. A., Thomas, J., Tricco, A. C., Welch, V. A., Whiting, P., & Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, Article n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71
Plantinga, P., Shilongo, K., Mudongo, O., Umubyeyi, A., Gastrow, M., & Razzano, G. (2024). Responsible artificial intelligence in Africa: Towards policy learning. Data & Policy, 6, Article e72. https://doi.org/10.1017/dap.2024.60
Rivera, L., Sheffi, Y., & Winkenbach, M. (2024). Blockchain: An opportunity to improve supply chains in the developing world. Cleaner Logistics and Supply Chain, 12, Article 100158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clscn.2024.100158
Rogerson, A., Hankins, E., Nettel, P. F., & Rahim, S. (2022). Government AI readiness index 2022. Oxford Insights. https://www.unido.org/sites/default/files/files/2023-01/Government_AI_Readiness_2022_FV.pdf
Sedola, S., Pescino, A. J., & Greene, T. (2021). Artificial intelligence for Africa: Blueprint. Smart Africa. https://www.bmz-digital.global/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/70029-eng_ai-for-africa-blueprint.pdf
Shilongo, K. (2023, June 13). A community-based approach to data and tech governance in Namibia. Mozilla Foundation. https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/blog/data-and-tech-governance-for-public-interest-a-framework-for-accountability/
Shilongo, K., Gaffley, M., Plantinga, P., Adams, R., Olorunju, N., Mudongo, O., Schroeder, Z., Chanthalangsy, P., Khodeli, I., & Xu, L. (2022). Landscape study of AI policies and use in Southern Africa (Research Report HAR/SHS/2022/2). UNESCO. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000385563
Sibal, P., & Neupane, B. (2021). Artificial intelligence needs assessment survey in Africa. UNESCO. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000375322
Sule, D. F. (2026). Towards responsible artificial intelligence adoption: Emerging and existing ethical issues in Africa. Sci, 8(3), Article 60. https://doi.org/10.3390/sci8030060
Svotwa, T. D., Makanyeza, C., & Wealth, E. (2023). Exploring digital financial inclusion strategies for urban and rural communities in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. In H. Chitimira & T. V. Warikandwa (Eds.), Financial inclusion and digital transformation regulatory practices in selected SADC countries (pp. 161–179). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-23863-5_8
Taeihagh, A. (2021). Governance of artificial intelligence. Policy and Society, 40(2), 137–157. https://doi.org/10.1080/14494035.2021.1926197
Tang, A., Laichena, J., & Shaikh, A. (2024). Assessing blockchain and IoT technologies for agricultural food supply chains through an African perspective. Heliyon, 10(15), Article e34833. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34833
Udeh, E. O., Amajuoyi, P., & Adeusi, K. B. (2024). The role of big data in detecting and preventing financial fraud in digital transactions. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 24, 110–121. https://wjarr.com/sites/default/files/WJARR-2024-1575.pdf
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. (2021a). Launch of the ICT policy review and national e-commerce strategy for Botswana. https://unctad.org/meeting/launch-ict-policy-review-and-national-e-commerce-strategy-botswana
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. (2021b). National ICT policy review and e-commerce strategy for Botswana. United Nations. https://doi.org/10.18356/9789210058636
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (2022). United Nations e-government survey 2022: The future of digital government. United Nations. https://desapublications.un.org/publications/un-e-government-survey-2022
UNESCO. (2022a). How to adopt a multistakeholder approach to AI governance in Southern Africa. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/how-adopt-multistakeholder-approach-ai-governance-southern-africa
UNESCO. (2022b). Landscape study of AI policies and use in Southern Africa: Executive summary. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000382651
UNESCO. (2023). Strengthening cooperation in artificial intelligence in Southern Africa. https://www.unesco.org/en/node/70200
Ünver, M. B. (2025). Democratic AI governance: Framing a vision for Africa in view of the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act. Information & Communications Technology Law. https://doi.org/10.1080/13600869.2025.2506924
Wairegi, A., Omino, M., & Rutenberg, I. (2021). AI in Africa: Framing AI through an African lens. Communication, Technologies et Développement, 10. https://journals.openedition.org/ctd/4577
World Bank. (2022). Digital economy diagnostic: Botswana. https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099100007222230376/pdf/P1728130fa985906a09c220cb6fb4264212.pdf
World Bank. (2026, May 6). Global Digital Public Infrastructure Program: From foundations to scale. World Bank Results Brief. https://www.worldbank.org/en/results/2026/05/06/global-digital-public-infrastructure-program
World Bank Group. (2025). Digital progress and trends report 2025: Strengthening AI foundations. World Bank. https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099112525160536089/pdf/P505350-59c98ca8-0803-4f23-b470-17f3dab010ab.pdf
Yilma, K. M. (2026). Strategy as governance: The governance of AI in Africa. Science and Public Policy, 53(2), 236–249. https://doi.org/10.1093/scipol/scaf050
Yogarajan, L., Kengatharan, N., & Sugumar, M. (2023). Exploring the hype of blockchain adoption in agri-food supply chain: A systematic literature review. Agriculture, 13(6), Article 1173. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13061173
Zaidan, E., Ibrahim, I. A., & Alkaabi, A. (2024). AI governance in a complex and rapidly changing regulatory landscape. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 11, Article 1121. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-03560-x
Cite this article:
Bathai, T. (2026). Leveraging 5G, artificial intelligence and blockchain integration for accelerating digital economic outcomes in Botswana: A strategic framework for leapfrogging development. International Review of Social Sciences Research, 6(3), 75-103. https://doi.org/10.53378/irssr.353370
License:
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) International License.
Find this article in:
Related articles:
Most read articles
- Social media usage and the academic performance of Filipino junior high school students
- A narrative exploration of romantic experiences and ideal relationship standards among Filipino Gen Z
- Tiktok made me book it: The impact of Tiktok on tourism destination selection of generation Z and millennials in Manila
- Students’ exposure to social media and their radical involvement on the societal issues in the Philippines
- Exploring the factors influencing commuters’ satisfaction and the use of public utility buses in Quezon City, Philippines
- ChatGPT integration significantly boosts personalized learning outcomes: A Philippine study
- Life-saving skills in the community: An assessment of basic life support and first aid knowledge in a selected barangay in the Philippines
- The effects of static and dynamic stretching exercises on the lower extremity performance
- Senior high school students’ awareness and literacy on computer software applications
- Decoding love signs: The role of perceived relational red flags in mate selection criteria among Filipino young adults