ECA and Botswana’s Foreign Affairs launch a Performance Dashboard System in line with the country’s national digital transformation strategy

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in collaboration with Botswana Ministry of Foreign Affairs have launched the Performance Dashboard System of Botswana, a boost to the country in advancing its digital agenda.

Lemogang Kwape Minister of Foreign Affairs, Botswana officially unveiled the innovative online platform in Gaborone, Botswana on 23 February.

“This innovative dashboard system is in line with Botswana’s Vision 2036 agenda that aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on digital transformation,” said Mr. Kwape.

“It envisages transformation across its four pillars that will be achieved by investments in research, development and innovation, and by accelerating the digital transformation agenda of our country.”

Tailored specifically for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Botswana, the system provides an instantaneous, comprehensive overview of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), enabling a deeper level of managerial oversight.

It facilitates the tracking of progress, identification of emerging trends, and the formulation of strategic decisions anchored on data.

“The system is in sync with the national digital transformation strategy and positions Botswana as a leader in digital technology and for promoting effective service delivery,” he said.

Mr. Kwape acknowledged the efforts of ECA in developing the system. It will ensure real time data delivery and reveal Botswana’s progress as well as how specific ministries are performing in delivering their respective mandates.

Oliver Chinganya, Director, ECA’s Africa Centre for Statistics delivered remarks on behalf of the ECA’s Executive Secretary, Claver Gatete and said the system empowers both management and staff to meticulously monitor the Ministry’s KPIs and ensure effectiveness and relevance.

“It is our hope that this initiative will be scaled up to other ministries and also build on the same to support others,” he said.

The Performance Dashboard System is an advanced, web-based application, accessible via computers, tablets and smart phones through standard internet browser. It is currently designed for exclusive internal utilization, controlled through personalized invitations. It is developed with flexible open-source technologies, to facilitate adaptability, agility, and cost-efficiency.

“These attributes not only cater to the immediate requirements of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Botswana but also offer promising potential for adoption across other government sectors and ECA member states,” said Mr. Chinganya.

Incorporating several visual aids such as charts, graphs, and gauges, the dashboard offers quick insights into performance metrics.

“This system extends beyond KPI tracking and display, encompassing data entry, validation, and data approval processes to improve quality of data going to the dashboard,” he said.

“It also facilitates setting up of performance targets and the management of performance periods, and system configuration to easily adopt to the changing needs of the Ministry.”

The ECA Director said that the dashboard also helps facilitate efficient internal collaboration and avoids dependence on external tools for data and information management. Its user-friendly interface and modules guarantee quick adoption and reduce the learning curve for new users. Its adaptable, customizable development, ready to evolve in tandem with the organization’s shifting needs and capable of broadening its applicability to various organization in search of similar solutions.

“This Performance Management Dashboard transcends the conventional role of a tool, emerging as a transformative platform that significantly propels the digital empowerment of Botswana’s governmental operations and establishes a benchmark for digital governance excellence,” he noted.