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In Effect Law Data Protection

Botswana DPA

Data Protection Act 2024

Botswana's modernized data protection law requiring Data Protection Impact Assessment and establishing age 16 for consent.

Jurisdiction

Botswana

Enacted

Aug 1, 2024

Effective

Oct 1, 2024

Enforcement

Data Protection Commissioner

Replaced 2018 Act with enhanced protections

Strathmore CIPIT Analysis

Why It Matters

Botswana's 2024 Act is Africa's most recent data protection modernization, establishing clear age 16 consent threshold and mandatory DPIA for AI systems.

Recent Developments

Enacted August 2024, replaced 2018 Act with stronger AI-era protections

At a Glance

Applies to

AI CompanionMental Health AppGeneral Chatbot

Who Must Comply

  • Data controllers and processors in Botswana
  • Entities processing data of Botswana residents
  • High-risk AI systems processing personal data

Obligations fall on:

Safety Provisions

  • Children 16+ may consent; under 16 requires guardian consent
  • Mandatory Data Protection Impact Assessment for high-risk processing
  • Breach notification required
  • Data Protection Officer for certain controllers
  • Cross-border transfer restrictions

Compliance & Enforcement

Penalties

criminal liability

Criminal liability

View on map

Botswana

Focus Areas

Mental health & crisis
Child safety
Algorithmic accountability

Cite This

APA

Botswana. (2024). Data Protection Act 2024.

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All regulations Check if this applies to you

Last updated January 22, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.