As the Botswana Stock Exchange Stanbic Bank Senior Secondary Schools Finance and
Investment Competition returns this year, the Business Weekly & Review interviews BSE
Market Development Assistant, Angel Gabobegwe, on how it encourages young learners to
develop financial literacy skills.
Q: Tell us more about the competition.
A: The competition is an initiative designed to introduce senior secondary school
students to financial markets and investing. Participants trade BSE-listed securities in
a risk-free virtual environment, giving them hands-on experience in managing
investments.
Q: Who is eligible to participate?
A: The competition is open to all senior secondary schools in Botswana. Each school
may register one team of five students.
Q: Briefly explain the competition structure.
A: The competition is structured in two levels: regional and national. All participating
schools begin at the regional level, where they are allocated P100,000 in virtual funds
to build and manage investment portfolios using a stock market simulator.
The simulator replicates the Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) trading environment,
allowing students to practice trading listed securities in a risk-free setting.
At the end of the regional stage, the top three schools in each region will be awarded
share vouchers to begin their investment journey. The top-performing school from
each region will advance to the national level.
Q: What is the main objective of the competition?
A: The primary goal is to promote financial literacy and build a culture of investing
among young people. By exposing students early to trading, portfolio management
and risk analysis, the initiative aims to develop a generation of informed investors
capable of making sound financial decisions.
Q: What are the timeframes for the regional competition?
A: Registration runs from May 6 to May 22, 2026. The competition itself will run
from May 26 to June 19, 2026. An orientation session for participating schools is
scheduled for May 25, 2026.
Q: What are the prizes for the regional level?
A: The top three schools in each region will receive share vouchers per student. First
place receives P2,000 per student, second place P1,500 per student, and third place
P1,000 per student.
Q: Who qualifies for the national level?
A: Only the first-place winners from each region will advance to the national
competition.
Q: What is the structure and date for the national level competition?
A: The date will be announced after the regional stage. The national competition will
be a one-day event in Gaborone, conducted in a hackathon-style format. It will
include quizzes and case studies designed to test teamwork and analytical skills.
Q: What are the prizes for the national level?
A: Winners will receive the following:
First place: P2,500 share voucher per student and P15,000 cash prize for the
school
Second place: P2,000 share voucher per student and P10,000 cash prize for the
school
Third place: P1,500 share voucher per student and P5,000 cash prize for the
school
Q: Where does Stanbic Bank come in?
A: Stanbic Bank Botswana is the official sponsor of the stock market simulator
platform and competition. The partnership aims to strengthen financial literacy and
promote early investment awareness among students, helping to develop a more
financially informed generation.
Q: Any advice to aspiring participants?
A: Go all in. The competition is not only about winning but also about gaining
lifelong financial skills in an engaging and practical way.
Q: Any last words?
A: May the best school win.
