Access Bank Botswana aims focus on SMEs
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Monday March 2, 2026 06:00
The Bank’s managing director, Sheperd Aisam, said Access’ strategy centres on connecting local talent, enterprise and innovation to regional and global markets.
'As Botswana accelerates its transition towards a more diversified, non-mining economy, we continue to position ourselves as a gateway for growth,' he added.
The MD said that the Bank’s ambition is to move SMEs from survival to growth and from informality to structured participation in regional and global markets with digital transformation as the cornerstone of this journey.
Aisam stated that the digital transformation vision is supported by Access’ global transactional banking platforms, including Access Africa and Primus Plus, which allow businesses and corporate clients to transact securely and efficiently across borders.
Since its launch, the digital banking platform Primus Plus has nearly tripled transaction value among SMEs and corporates, Aisam added.
“The rollout of AccessMore in 2026 will further simplify banking, enhance convenience and improve transaction capability, supporting their ambition to facilitate one in every three transactions through Access Bank channels,” he said.
The MD explained that by integrating Orange Money Cash-In Cash-Out functionality into Access ATMs, the Bank is extending access to financial services, particularly to underserved and rural communities.
'Through our nano-loan partnerships and N' Stakolle, now in its fourth year, we have dispersed over P2 billion to more than 350,000 unique users, demonstrating the transformative power of inclusive digital finance,' he added.
Shepard Aisam said the bank's remains committee to Botswana as a long-term partner in nation-building and understood the importance of sustainable growth powered by a dynamic and well-supported private sector.
Aisam stated that hosting the seminar in Francistown was intentional and strategic, as the city plays a critical role in national development.
'As we consider the implications of the budget today, one truth is clear; unlocking Botswana's full potential will require deep collaboration between government and the private sector,' said Aisam.
For his part, the Francistown City Council finance chairperson, Thapelo Mosenya, said that the strategy for the city is rooted in economic diversification, industrial revival and trade activation.
He further said that the re-opening of the Tati Nickel Mine signals renewed industrial momentum.
'At the same time, we are leveraging cross-border trade with Zimbabwe and positioning ourselves to benefit from the Kazungula trade corridor to create jobs and stimulate the local economy,' he continued.
Mosenya stated that, alongside local enterprise development, the local authority is strengthening agriculture by rehabilitating the Francistown Horticulture Market to create opportunities for SMEs, farmers and other small businesses.
Mosenya said that partnerships such as the one the FCC has with Access Bank Botswana, are critical to accelerating their progress. Ends...