Minister calls for private sector,govt collaboration
Pauline Dikuelo | Thursday July 21, 2016 09:46
Speaking at Letshego Holdings 18th anniversary celebrations last week, Matambo said as government they remain committed to adopting policies and programmes that are aimed at stimulating local development. “I urge the private sector to take responsibility for aligning their operations with our National Development goals so that together we move Botswana forward into the realisation of Vision 2036 and beyond,” he said.
According to Matambo, through supporting efforts of companies such as Letshego, they are supporting generational change in business, in society and in economies noting that in Letshego’s years of existence they have improved lives in both Botswana and across the African continent.
In addition, he said Letshego’s growth across Africa has put the country on the map as a formidable place for business and hub for corporate talent development. For his part, Letshego group managing director Chris Low highlighted that they are focused on strategic partnerships to accelerate execution capabilities like a new innovative financial solutions piloted by the business which currently include micro insurance, agriculture supply chain financing and asset financing.
He said Letshego has done well in servicing the renewable energy sector through the provision of biogas loans for farmers, water tank loans, and energy efficient ’jiko’ stove loans and solar power loans, all of which they are working to roll-out beyond the East African region.
“We are proud of our invaluable niche that has improved lives by servicing hundreds of thousands of customers, that in turn has positively impacted their families and their communities. Through our assistance to the underserved, we are grateful to have contributed towards Africa’s development,” he said.
In addition, Low said through their efforts of embracing financial inclusion, they have been responsible for lending practices and encouraging productive use of loans. The group highlighted that they have completed research indicating the social impact it had achieved across its markets pointing to loans being used for education, health, business, or livelihood purposes.
The brand continues to drive social data mining to better assess needs and deliver an enhanced customer experience in all 10 of its markets. Further, Letshego continues to invest on people and communities across Africa to help drive socio-economic development and empower the people of Africa with a strong, financially secure and sustainable future.
“We celebrate an organisation that has made an impact in the lives of many Batswana across the country. Also, Letshego has impacted many lives across our great continent, and continues to do so today. This is why we have refreshed our proudly Botswana brand, and are rolling it out to all our markets,” Low said.