Growth without resilience is not growth at all
Mmoloki Letshwao* | Monday July 27, 2026 06:00
In this environment, growth alone is no longer enough. The real question is whether that growth can endure. This is where risk leadership becomes increasingly important. Unfortunately, risk management is often misunderstood as a function designed to slow organisations down, create obstacles or simply say 'no'. In reality, effective risk management should do the opposite. It should enable organisations to pursue opportunity with greater confidence, clarity, and resilience.
The institutions that will thrive in the years ahead will not necessarily be those willing to take the biggest risks. They will be those capable of understanding risk, managing it effectively and making informed decisions in the face of uncertainty.
For Botswana, this conversation is particularly relevant. As our country pursues economic diversification, digital transformation, and greater regional integration, we must also recognise the interconnected challenges that accompany growth. Environmental sustainability, water security, food systems, biodiversity protection, and community resilience are no longer issues that sit separately from economic development. They are increasingly fundamental to it.
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), travel and tourism contributed approximately 11.8% of Botswana's GDP in 2024, underscoring just how closely our economic prosperity is linked to the health of our natural environment. At the same time, the United Nations Environment Programme notes that whilst Africa contributes less than four percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, it remains amongst the regions most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. These realities reinforce the need for organisations to think beyond short-term growth and build resilience into their strategies, investments, and operations.
The banking sector has a critical role to play in this transition. Financial institutions are uniquely positioned to help direct capital towards activities that support long-term economic resilience. Increasingly, responsible banking means looking beyond immediate transactions and asking deeper questions about the sustainability of growth itself. It means considering not only commercial returns, but also the long-term value created for clients, communities, and the broader economy.
This is why environmental, social, and governance considerations have become increasingly important within financial services. ESG is not a trend or a compliance exercise. It is a recognition that long-term value creation depends on understanding a broader range of risks and opportunities than ever before. Increasingly, investors, regulators, and customers expect organisations to demonstrate how they create value whilst managing environmental and social impacts responsibly.
At Stanbic Bank Botswana, this thinking underpins initiatives such as Blue Roots, our national sustainability programme being delivered in partnership with the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Whilst the initiative includes the planting of 22,500 trees by 2028, its broader purpose is to contribute to conversations around ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and economic participation. Importantly, sustainability should not be viewed as separate from growth. The two are increasingly inseparable. Healthy ecosystems support tourism, agriculture, and livelihoods.
Climate resilience supports productivity and investment. Strong communities create stronger markets. What makes this particularly important for Botswana is that our economy is deeply connected to our natural environment. The resilience of our ecosystems, water resources, and agricultural systems will increasingly influence our ability to create jobs, attract investment and build sustainable prosperity for future generations.
For business leaders, policymakers, and investors alike, the challenge is clear: we must move beyond short-term thinking and embrace a more holistic understanding of value creation. The future will undoubtedly be shaped by technology, artificial intelligence, and digital innovation. Yet despite these advances, the fundamentals of sustainable success remain remarkably consistent. Trust matters. Governance matters. Resilience matters.
Growth without resilience is fragile. Growth built on sound governance, thoughtful leadership and long-term thinking has the power to endure. As Botswana continues its development journey, the organisations that will lead tomorrow will not simply be those that grow the fastest. They will be those that grow responsibly, adapt effectively, and create lasting value for the people and communities they serve.
*Mmoloki Letshwao is the Head of Risk, Stanbic Bank Botswana