Botswana ranks 45th in youth AI readiness despite strong connectivity
A new Ayre Index study places Botswana 45th of 56 Commonwealth nations, with its youth scoring far lower on job access than on technology access.
A new study places Botswana 45th out of 56 Commonwealth nations for youth artificial-intelligence readiness. The Ayre Index, launched on Tuesday at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda, gives the country 38.9 points out of 100, below a readiness benchmark of 53.
The country scored 7.2 out of 10 for meaningful access to technology but only 2.9 for decent work, enterprise and transitions. The study records youth unemployment at 39.6 per cent of the labour force, with many of those without work searching for more than a year.
The index also found that 19.4 per cent of young respondents had installed software and 3.8 per cent had written a computer program. Applying International Monetary Fund scenarios, the researchers estimate that artificial intelligence could add 289 million United States dollars to Botswana's GDP after 10 years under a moderate scenario.
Why it mattersBotswana's youth face high unemployment and limited digital skills despite strong access to technology.