As Botswana accelerates toward the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), businesses are being urged to balance innovation with resilience to avoid exposing themselves to growing operational and cyber-related risks.

Speaking during a panel discussion at the Botswana Local Manufacturing Summit 2026, our Underwriting Manager & Principal Officer, Mr. Owen Motswetla, highlighted that while technology is transforming manufacturing and key industries through automation, artificial intelligence, robotics and digital systems, it is also exposing businesses to increasing cyber threats, machinery breakdowns and operational disruptions, reinforcing the urgent need for organisations to mitigate against cyber exposure and technology-related risks.

He further noted that businesses embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution must strengthen:
• Cyber resilience
• Business continuity planning
• Workforce upskilling
• Operational risk management
• Asset and supply chain protection

“More technology means more cyber exposure. Digital transformation is no longer just an IT conversation. It is a business continuity, governance and productivity conversation. Every company should seriously consider cyber liability cover as part of its risk management strategy.” he highlighted.