Orange Botswana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TEMCO (The Extraordinary Medical Company), paving the way for the telecommunications company to become the preferred connectivity provider for the TEMCO hospital development ecosystem at the Gaborone Airport Special Economic Zone, anchored by a 130-bed specialised hospital.
TEMCO is a National Development Plan 12 project licensed by the Special Economic Zones Authority. The ecosystem comprises the hospital, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and hospitality and recovery facilities, and Orange is its first corporate partner. The partnership will see Orange Botswana provide connectivity and ICT solutions to support TEMCO’s hospital and pharmaceutical manufacturing operations, including secure data management, telemedicine, digital health records and digital payment solutions.
The memorandum reaches the whole ecosystem, covering smart infrastructure, utilities monitoring and digital services for the enterprises operating across the zone. Orange Botswana CEO Nene Maiga said the partnership demonstrates the role of technology in transforming healthcare delivery.
“This partnership brings together healthcare and technology to create a more connected and efficient patient experience. Our role is to provide the digital infrastructure that will support TEMCO’s vision of delivering specialised healthcare.” TEMCO is being developed to provide specialised services including high-risk obstetrics, neonatal and paediatric intensive care, cancer treatment, cardiac, neurosurgical and robotic surgery, alongside the care families travel abroad for today: fertility services and IVF for women and men, specialist surgery and intensive care for children, weight-loss surgery, cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, and rehabilitation for older patients after a stroke or a joint replacement.
Maiga said the project also presents an opportunity to position Botswana as a regional healthcare destination. “TEMCO has regional ambitions, and Orange is proud to support that ambition. Reliable connectivity will be critical in enabling the hospital to serve patients from Botswana and across southern Africa.”
TEMCO Chairman Sailas Temwa said the partnership would strengthen the hospital’s ability to deliver technology-enabled healthcare. “Our vision is to build a world-class healthcare facility that meets the needs of Botswana and the region. Having a strong technology partner is an important part of making that vision a reality.”
Maiga said Orange would continue to leverage its technology and digital financial services capabilities to support developments that contribute to Botswana’s socio-economic growth.
“We believe technology must be an enabler of national development. This partnership is an example of how connectivity, digital services and healthcare can come together to create meaningful economic and social value.” TEMCO is expected to serve patients from across southern Africa, with its location within the Gaborone Airport Special Economic Zone supporting its ambition to develop Botswana as a regional medical hub.
