Vice President Mr Slumber Tsogwane hails public-private partnership

Vice President Mr Slumber Tsogwane has hailed the partnership between Botswana Fiber Network (BOFINET) and the City of Francistown Council as one with potential to facilitate economic development. The two entities came together to provide free wifi hotspots at seven strategic places in Francistown.

Speaking at the launch of the Ghetto Free Wifi in Francistown yesterday, Vice President Tsogwane said the innitiave is part of the revitalisation plan to resusitate the economy of the City of Francistown following it’s realisation as a Special Economic Zone.

He said the initiative is in line with national policy provisions such as the Vision 2036, The Transformation Agenda as well as the Reset Agenda. He says the launch is a step in the right direction towards achieving the Vision 2036 pillar of a knowledge based economy.
Vice President Tsogwane says the Ghetto Free Wifi will increase access to internet and enhance creativity necessary for economic diversification, adding that government continues to make strides in enabling digital connectivity. He says through the Smart Botswana innitiave over 200 villages will be connected.

The City of Francistown Mayor Mr Godisang Radisigo said access to internet services should not be a privilege for a few but for all members of the society. Radisigo believes that the Ghetto Free Wifi will help unlock the city’s economic potential as many will have access to internet.

Since access will be free for one hour a day, he urged residents to use the internet effectively for educational, research and business purposes. The people of Francistown will enjoy free wifi at Galo Mall, Nzano Mall, Nswazwi Mall, Francistown Busrank, PG Matante International Airport, Nyangabgwe Hospital and Francistown Main Post Office.