Bank Gaborone has reaffirmed its commitment to driving inclusive economic growth by supporting Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) through strategic alignment with the Botswana Economic Transformation Plan (BETP).
This announcement follows the successful hosting of the Insight & Impact Roundtable, where Bank Gaborone convened leading economic experts and policymakers to explore Botswana’s shifting economic landscape and the role of the private sector in fostering resilience and innovation.
Delivering the keynote address, Nchidzi Chakalisa, Acting Head of Wholesale Banking at Bank Gaborone, emphasised the bank’s role as a connector of positive, bringing together diverse voices and perspectives to spark ideas, foster resilience and co-create solutions that move our economy forward.
“SMMEs are the heartbeat of Botswana’s economic future. Through the BETP, we see a clear roadmap to unlock new sectors, stimulate investment, and create meaningful jobs. Bank Gaborone is committed to being a bridge between ambition and access for these enterprises.”
The BETP outlines a national strategy to diversify Botswana’s economy beyond diamond revenues, focusing on private sector-led growth, digital transformation, and inclusive development. Bank Gaborone is aligning its efforts with these priorities by:
- Expanding access to finance for SMMEs through tailored lending solutions
- Investing in digital platforms to improve efficiency and reach
- Collaborating with government and development partners to deliver training and market access
- Creating platforms for dialogue to ensure SMME voices inform policy and practice
For her part, Olebile Makhupe, Managing Director of Bank Gaborone, highlighted the bank’s long-term vision, saying: “As Botswana repositions its economy, the financial sector must be a catalyst not just a conduit for change. SMMEs have the potential to drive resilience, innovation, and inclusive prosperity. Globally, SMEs represent 90 percent of businesses and contribute more than 50 percent of employment, according to the World Bank.”
In Botswana, she said their contribution to GDP is between 14 percent -20 percent. She added that they account for about 50 percent of formal employment, making them a critical driver of job creation and economic diversification.
Makhupe said many SMEs face challenges in accessing funding to start, grow, and sustain their businesses. This is where Bank Gaborone steps in to close the gap and unlock their full potential.
“Our role is to empower them with the tools, networks, and capital they need to thrive.” Botswana has a robust SME sector with real potential to boost recovery and long-term development. With the right financing, capacity-building, and partnerships, SMEs can help establish a more diverse and resilient economy,” she noted.
The roundtable also featured insights from Dr. Keith Jefferis (EConsult Botswana), Buca Matenge (Business Development Expert), Naledi Madala (Senior Policy Advisor- Ministry of Finance), and Reetsang Taudi (Treasurer, Bank Gaborone), with moderation by Tsaone Raboloko, Chief Financial Officer at Bank Gaborone.
This initiative is part of Bank Gaborone’s broader strategy to promote informed dialogue, enhance cross-sector collaboration, and support Botswana’s economic transformation.
