05/12/2024
𝗕𝗜𝗕𝗙 𝗛𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗦 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗔 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗙𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘
The Botswana Institute of Banking & Finance (BIBF) host the 2024 National Data Protection Conference. Positioning itself as a critical forum for fostering awareness, collaboration, and policy advancement in data privacy and security.
Held under the theme Securing Data, Protecting Privacy: Strengthening Data Protection Practices in Botswana, the conference drew key stakeholders from government, private sector, and international entities to deliberate on the implementation of the Data Protection Act No. 18 of 2024.
Speaking at the conference, Acting Managing Director of BIBF, Mr. Molaodi Menyatso, highlighted the event’s transformative agenda . “We expect this conference to be an economy for change. Through discussions and interactions, we will not only address challenges but also create sustainable platforms for progress in data protection,” said Menyatso.
Mr. Menyatso emphasized the need for a united effort, stating, “This is an all-stakeholder program where each participant plays a crucial role in simplifying and safeguarding individual privacy.”
Assistant Minister of State Presidency, Maipelo Mophuting, underscored the significance of the Data Protection Act in her keynote address. “The Act is designed to ensure the protection of personal data and maintain individual privacy and reputation. It reflects Botswana’s commitment to upholding data privacy as a fundamental right and positioning the country as a preferred investment destination,” said Mophuting.
She further stressed the importance of aligning national frameworks with global data protection principles to enhance Botswana’s competitiveness.
Enforcement and Compliance Ms. Ketshepaone Ngidi, of the Botswana Data Protection Commission, outlined the commission’s role in enforcing the Act and promoting organizational compliance.
“We have put in place mechanisms to ensure personal data is protected, and penalties for breaches will be enforced. This conference is key to helping organizations adopt systems that automatically meet compliance requirements,” said Ngidi.
The conference featured panel discussions, workshops, and expert presentations on raising awareness, building capacity, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. International participants shared insights on emerging data protection trends and best practices.
This inaugural event not only marked progress in Botswana’s data protection landscape but also reinforced the nation’s commitment to fostering a secure digital environment for all.