Taxi operators affiliated with the Yellow Light Taxi Association will now be able to accept cashless payments and access business loans of up to P60,000 following the launch of a new partnership between Absa Bank Botswana and the association.
The collaboration, officially launched in Gaborone on Wednesday, is aimed at promoting financial inclusion, modernizing the taxi industry and providing operators with the financial tools needed to build sustainable businesses.
Speaking at the launch, Absa Bank Botswana Regional Head for Physical Channels Thuso Setsetse described the agreement as more than a commercial partnership, saying it represents a commitment to create practical solutions that will benefit taxi operators, commuters and the broader economy.
“The taxi industry plays a critical role in connecting communities, facilitating commerce and supporting the livelihoods of thousands of families across the country,” Setsetse said.
He said Absa recognizes the contribution made by taxi operators and wants to support the sector through innovative financial solutions that improve resilience and create long-term opportunities.
“Our partnership is more than just a formal agreement. It is a clear statement of our intent as a bank and a commitment to work together with industry players to develop practical solutions and opportunities that add value across the entire value chain,” he said.
A key feature of the partnership is the introduction of Absa MobiTap, a digital payment solution that enables taxi operators to accept card payments, including international cards, using mobile technology. The move comes as consumers increasingly shift toward cashless transactions through bank cards, mobile wallets and digital payment platforms.
Absa’s Head of Cards and Payments, Godiraone Maokanyane, said the initiative is designed to address three major challenges facing taxi operators: payment acceptance, financial inclusion and access to finance.
“The world of payments is changing rapidly, and customers increasingly expect convenience, speed and flexibility in how they pay,” Maokanyane said.
He explained that payments received through MobiTap will be deposited directly into operators’ Absa transactional accounts, allowing taxi operators to establish a formal banking history while integrating them into the country’s financial system.
Beyond digital payments, Maokanyane said qualifying operators who actively use both their Absa accounts and the MobiTap platform will be eligible to access business financing of up to P60,000.
“Traditionally, taxi operators have been excluded from financing opportunities. Through this partnership, qualifying members will become eligible for business financing that will help strengthen and grow their businesses while enabling them to continue contributing meaningfully to the sector,” he said.
He added that the partnership also includes financial literacy programs aimed at helping operators improve money management, savings and long-term financial planning.
Absa said the bank will also conduct activations at taxi ranks and engage directly with association members to encourage adoption of digital payments while introducing them to a broader range of banking products and services.
Yellow Light Taxi Association Chairperson Kebaeletse Koobokile welcomed the partnership, saying it marks an important turning point for the industry.
“We have been discussing this partnership for a long time. As taxi drivers, we have sometimes been slow to embrace change, but we have to accept that times are changing. Within the next five years we will be living in a cashless world,” he said.
Koobokile said reducing the amount of cash carried by drivers will also improve their safety, noting that taxi operators are frequently targeted by criminals who steal their daily earnings.
“This will also be protection for us because we are often robbed while on duty, with thieves taking all our cash,” he said.
He further welcomed Absa’s willingness to extend credit to taxi operators, saying the industry has historically struggled to access financing because banks did not consider drivers to be viable customers.
“In the past, banks did not see us as potential customers. Now we can say Absa sees us as potential clients and is prepared to assist us with loans and other banking services,” he said.
Closing the event, Absa Regional Head for Physical Channels Hazel Masiapeto said the partnership extends beyond payment technology and financing, describing it as the beginning of a long-term relationship focused on helping taxi operators build wealth and secure their futures.
She encouraged operators to take advantage of financial literacy programs, insurance products and savings solutions offered by the bank, saying financial education would be critical in helping them prepare for retirement and grow sustainable businesses.
“This is the beginning of the journey. Build now for the future. One day you may retire from driving, but you should retire owning a business and having secured your future,” Masiapeto said.
