This chapter focuses on Botswana, another developing country, this time in the Sub-Sahara. In his chapter, William Lesitaokana traces the dramatic increase of mobile telephony over the last 20 years. He notes that over 80 percent of the adult population in continental Africa own and use mobile phones. He traces the diffusion of mobile phones over the past decade and the way this has significantly facilitated access to mobile communication services, especially among urban youth countrywide. Based on case studies, the author then describes how the extensive availability of mobile phones and access to the Internet have transformed the lives of citizens in Botswana. Lesitaokana notes that this is a prime example of how, in a technologically less-advanced country, the use of mobile phones can prove to be significantly useful to access public services, and thus help people to enhance their socio-economic status. The author also notes how the mobile revolution fosters not only extensive knowledge, but also increases civic participation. This chapter provides a solid base for those interested in seeing how mobile telephony has become indispensable as a communication medium, and as a tool for economic development and well-being. © 2021 selection and editorial matter, Stefanie Felsberger and Ramesh Subramanian; individual chapters, the contributors.

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