Bidding war heats up for StanChart
Pauline Dikuelo | Monday April 6, 2026 06:00
BusinessWeek is informed that interest has been noted from local financial-sector institutions, as well as regional players, but the Bank has declined to confirm. Standard Chartered Bank Botswana, commonly known as StanChart, has said that all processes related to its exit from the local market will be announced in due course.
Chief Executive Officer Mpho Masupe told BusinessWeek that the Bank has received strong interest from multiple credible bidders and is currently evaluating submissions.
He said the overall transaction is progressing steadily and could be finalised by the first quarter of next year, subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions.
“We have received a good number of credible bidders and are still in discussions with them,” he said on the sidelines of the Bank’s results presentation. “We need to ensure that outstanding matters are addressed as the process continues.”
The CEO said they are expecting the sale to take about 12 to 15 months, with completion anticipated in the first quarter of next year.
'However, there are several factors beyond our control, such as regulatory approvals and transition requirements, which must be accounted for,” he said.
The sale process follows an announcement made in November 2024, when Standard Chartered PLC revealed plans to explore the disposal of its Wealth and Retail Banking (WRB) segment in Botswana. Following further strategic review, the group has since opted to pursue the sale of the entire Botswana franchise.
Masupe highlighted that the local operation remains a strong and attractive asset.
“The franchise has demonstrated sustained performance, resilience, and strategic relevance, making it a highly attractive proposition for prospective buyers,” he said.
He further emphasised that maintaining the quality of the bank’s portfolio during the transition period remains a key priority.
“We are going to sell a very strong book, and we will ensure that, during the transition to handover, it remains stable and continues to deliver value,” he said.
Financially, the bank’s Wealth and Retail Banking segment recorded notable growth for the year ended 31 December 2025. Assets Under Management increased significantly from P196 million to P544 million, representing a 179 percent year-on-year growth. This performance aligns with the bank’s strategic shift towards the affluent segment and wealth solutions.
Standard Chartered Bank Botswana, part of the London-based Standard Chartered PLC, first established operations in Botswana in 1897 as the country’s first commercial bank.
The group has previously indicated that the divestment of its WRB operations forms part of a broader global strategy to reshape its mass retail business by exiting markets where its strategic positioning is deemed less compelling.
Beyond Botswana, similar sale processes are currently underway in Zambia and Uganda, reflecting a wider restructuring effort across select African markets.