LEA study pinpoints SMMEs greatest challenge
Monday, August 14, 2023 | 550 Views |
Difficult roads: SMMEs are faced with a plethora of challenges, particularly around funding PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
According to an SMME handbook developed by LEA, the lack of finance options for the different stages of the organisations’ development in Botswana is widening the finance gap in the local market.
The finance gap refers to the gulf between the funding options availed to SMMES and their actual needs. According to the handbook, Botswana’s finance gap as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stands at 18.55% ranking the country third amongst SADC states. Local finance institutions have traditionally taken a very conservative approach when it comes to lending to SMMEs, citing a lack of bankable collateral and the inability to monitor SMMEs operations.
That sounds like good news. But the report also warns that this may simply be because our digital economy is still young, not because we are safe. As more people shop, bank and pay online, criminals will follow.We Batswana do not need a report to tell us that danger is real. Many of us have heard of or fallen victim to KYC scams. A caller impersonates your bank or mobile money provider. They say they need to “verify” your account. They ask...