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About BOCRA

Regulating communications in Botswana in the public interest.

About this section

  • BOCRA is Botswana's independent communications regulator, established in 2013 under the CRA Act.
  • Responsible for licensing, consumer protection, spectrum management, and .BW domains.
  • Accountable to the Minister for communications and reporting to Parliament annually.

Our Mission

To regulate, promote, and develop a fair, efficient, and accessible communications environment for the benefit of all users in Botswana.

Our Vision

A connected Botswana where communications services are affordable, reliable, and available to all.

The Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) is the independent regulator of electronic communications, broadcasting, and postal services in Botswana. It was established in 2013 under the Communications Regulatory Authority Act (CAP 72:05), replacing the Botswana Telecommunications Authority (BTA) and consolidating regulatory functions across the communications sector into a single authority.

BOCRA operates independently of commercial interests. It is accountable to the Minister responsible for communications and reports to Parliament annually, ensuring public transparency and democratic accountability.

Key milestones

1996

Botswana Telecommunications Authority (BTA) established

2012

Communications Regulatory Authority Act enacted

2013

BOCRA established, replacing BTA and consolidating regulatory functions

2015

Number portability introduced for mobile subscribers

2017

.BW domain registry transferred to BOCRA

2020

Quality of Service Regulations gazetted

2023

Cyber Incident Reporting Framework launched

2024

Electronic Communications Amendment Regulations under consultation

What BOCRA does

Telecommunications & Spectrum

BOCRA licences mobile networks, internet providers, VSAT operators, and value-added services. It allocates and manages radio frequency spectrum to prevent interference and enable 4G and 5G services.

Broadcasting

BOCRA licences and monitors television channels, radio stations, and community broadcasters. It sets content standards and ensures broadcasting services meet quality and coverage requirements.

Consumer Protection

BOCRA receives and investigates consumer complaints against licensed operators, publishes consumer rights guidance, and runs public awareness campaigns on digital fraud and safe internet use.

Market Oversight

BOCRA monitors market competition, approves operator tariffs, and publishes quarterly Quality of Service data so consumers can compare providers and operators are held to measurable standards.

Postal Services & .BW Domains

BOCRA regulates Botswana Post and private courier operators, and operates the .BW country code top-level domain registry (registrations, WHOIS, and domain dispute resolution).

Mandate & Powers

Communications Regulatory Authority Act (CAP 72:05)

BOCRA’s mandate, powers, and governance structure are defined by this Act, enacted in 2012.

View legislation

What BOCRA regulates

Electronic communications

  • Telecommunications networks
  • Internet service providers
  • VSAT and satellite operators
  • Value-added services

Broadcasting

  • Television channels
  • Radio stations
  • Community broadcasters
  • Signal distribution

Postal & courier

  • Botswana Post (universal service)
  • Private courier operators
  • Cross-border postal services

Domain names (.BW)

  • .co.bw, .org.bw, .net.bw registrations
  • WHOIS registry
  • Domain dispute resolution

Regulatory powers

  • Issue, renew, suspend, and revoke licences
  • Set and enforce minimum quality of service standards
  • Approve tariffs and monitor pricing
  • Allocate and manage radio frequency spectrum
  • Investigate and adjudicate complaints and disputes
  • Impose administrative penalties for regulatory violations
  • Conduct market studies and designate significant market power
  • Administer the .BW top-level domain registry

Governance & Leadership

BOCRA is governed by a Board appointed by the Minister responsible for communications, in accordance with the Communications Regulatory Authority Act. The Board sets strategic direction and oversees management. The Chief Executive Officer is accountable to the Board and leads day-to-day operations.

Board of Directors

T

Mr. Thabo Ramaeba

Chairperson

Non-executive
G

Ms. Gaone Setshwaelo

Board Member

Non-executive
K

Mr. Kefilwe Motshabi

Board Member

Non-executive
T

Ms. Tlhompho Matekedisho

Board Member

Non-executive
O

Mr. Obakeng Pheto

Board Member

Non-executive

Executive Management

T

Mr. Teko Reetsang

Chief Executive Officer

M

Ms. Mmapula Dikgosi

Director, Electronic Communications

N

Mr. Neo Sennanyana

Director, Broadcasting

B

Ms. Bame Segolame

Director, Consumer Affairs & Licensing

K

Mr. Kagiso Otsile

Director, Spectrum Management

K

Ms. Keamogetse Molapo

Director, Finance & Administration

Directorates

Office of the CEO
Electronic Communications Regulation
Broadcasting & Postal
Consumer Affairs
Technology & Spectrum
Finance & Corporate Services
Legal & Compliance

Projects & Initiatives

Active

Active2022–2026Electronic Communications

Universal Access and Service Fund (UASF)

Extending affordable broadband to underserved and rural communities. Funds infrastructure rollout and community digital access centres.

Read about UASF
Active2023–2025Technology & Spectrum

Spectrum Management Modernisation

Updating Botswana's frequency spectrum framework to accommodate 5G readiness, broadcasting changes, and emerging wireless technologies.

Spectrum framework
Active2023–2024Consumer Affairs

Digital Literacy & Consumer Awareness

A national public education initiative helping citizens understand their rights, identify scams, and use digital services safely.

Know your rights

Planned

Planned2024–2025Technology & Spectrum

.BW Registry System Upgrade

Modernising the .BW domain registry platform (online self-service registration, automated WHOIS, and improved DNS management).

Domain services

Completed

Completed2022–2023Electronic Communications

Cyber Incident Response Framework

Gazetted mandatory cyber incident reporting obligations for licensed operators. Framework now operational with reporting portal live.

Report an incident
All projects & initiatives

Careers at BOCRA

Join the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority and help shape the country’s communications future. BOCRA employs specialists in telecommunications, law, economics, technology, and public administration.

Applications via email only

Send your CV, cover letter, and certified qualifications to [email protected] before the closing date.

Current vacancies

Senior Spectrum Engineer

Technology & Spectrum

PermanentCloses: 15 April 2024
Apply

Legal Counsel (Regulatory Affairs)

Legal & Compliance

PermanentCloses: 30 March 2024
Apply

Consumer Affairs Officer

Consumer Affairs

Contract (12 months)Closes: 28 March 2024
Apply

Graduate Internship Programme

12-month structured internships for Botswana citizens with degrees in telecommunications, law, economics, ICT, or related fields. Intakes twice yearly: January and July.

Enquire about internships
Full careers page

Contact BOCRA

Office hours

Monday – Friday, 07:30 – 16:30 (SAST / UTC+2)

Contact details

Offices

Head Office: Gaborone

Plot 50676, Gaborone International Finance Park Gaborone, Botswana

Regional Office: Francistown

Haskins Street Francistown, Botswana