'Bring bankers early into expansion plans'
staff writer | Wednesday September 16, 2026 06:00
The gathering brought together industry leaders and key stakeholders to unpack emerging economic trends and opportunities shaping Botswana’s economic landscape and the future of business. During the session, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Joel Ramaphoi, said entrepreneurs should involve their bankers early when planning business expansion, while developing enterprises capable of competing beyond Botswana’s borders. “My call to action is direct to entrepreneurs, graduate from the culture of the government invoice or GPOs, build businesses designed to win international clients and bring your banker into your expansion plans early,” he implored local businesses. On the other hand, officials from Stanbic Bank announced that the bank’s responsibility was to support businesses with the insight, expertise, networks and relationships needed to pursue their growth ambitions. The bank’s acting Chief Executive, Thomas Mpedi, said businesses are making important decisions about investment, growth, efficiency and the markets they want to pursue.
“Our responsibility as a bank is to meet that ambition with insight, expertise, networks and relationships,” Mpedi told the gathering. He noted that despite a challenging operating environment, Botswana’s business community continued to demonstrate ambition by exploring new markets, improving efficiencies and identifying new avenues for growth. According to Mpedi, platforms such as the CIB Connect Series provide an opportunity for government, business and industry to engage on the issues affecting competitiveness and sustainable economic growth. Meanwhile, Ramaphoi emphasised the importance of strengthening Botswana’s productive capacity and developing competitive local enterprises capable of creating employment, supplying larger industries, attracting investment and accessing regional and international markets. His call highlights the importance of collaboration between businesses and financial institutions in supporting expansion and strengthening the private sector. The Corporate & Investment Banking Connect Series 2026 brought together senior government representatives, business leaders, clients and industry stakeholders to discuss Botswana’s economic competitiveness, investment opportunities, trade and sustainable business growth. The discussions also highlighted the need to strengthen local value chains and connect Botswana enterprises to opportunities across the African continent. Stanbic Bank economist, Godfrey Mwanza, said economic indicators were beginning to point towards a gradual recovery, expressing optimism about Botswana’s economic outlook. “The economic indicators are beginning to point towards a gradual recovery,” he added. He noted that measures introduced by key economic institutions had helped restore stability and strengthen the country’s economic footing.
The session also featured Frad Shoko, Global Head of Consumer Sector at Standard Bank Group, who provided a wider African perspective on developments influencing the consumer sector and how businesses were responding to changing market conditions. The engagement comes as Botswana seeks to build a more competitive private sector capable of driving investment, employment and sustainable economic growth. For businesses looking to expand, access to appropriate financial support, market knowledge and strong banking relationships remains an important consideration in pursuing opportunities beyond the domestic market. The CIB Connect Series reinforced the importance of continued dialogue between government, financial institutions and the private sector in addressing the challenges facing Botswana businesses and identifying opportunities for growth across Africa.