Cybersecurity has become a critical concern for businesses and governments globally, and Botswana is no exception. The Botswana Cyber Security Report 2018 revealed that cybercrime costs Africa approximately $3.3 billion annually, with Botswana incurring losses of up to P250 million. Sectors such as banking and financial services have become prime targets for cybercriminals. Despite this alarming trend, there is a notable lack of formal training and awareness in anticipating, detecting, responding to, and mitigating evolving cyber threats.

As networks and business information systems become integral to operations, it is imperative to protect corporate data, government secrets, financial systems, and military information. A Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Cybersecurity equips graduates with the technical expertise and critical thinking skills required to combat cybercrime, aligning IT security strategies with the rapid advancements in cybercrime technologies.

Botswana’s ICT Maitlamo Policy identifies cybersecurity as a priority area for development, emphasizing the need for skilled professionals to address cyber threats effectively. Similarly, the National Development Plan 11 (2017–2023) underscores the importance of addressing cybersecurity risks and implementing legislative frameworks to combat these threats. The National Cyber Security Strategy further highlights the limited capacity in cybersecurity expertise within the country, calling for multi-stakeholder approaches to strengthen national resilience against cybercrime.

To remain competitive in the digital era, Botswana requires a robust pipeline of cybersecurity professionals. Recognizing this, ABM University College conducted extensive research involving industry professionals, human resource consultants, and information technology experts to assess the relevance of a BSc in Cybersecurity in the local and regional job market. The findings confirmed a high demand for this qualification in Botswana and the broader SADC region.