Mmegi

RMB, Barloworld seal P105m green deal

Deal done: RMB and BSE officials during a bell-ringing ceremony to mark the Barloworld deal last week PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG
Deal done: RMB and BSE officials during a bell-ringing ceremony to mark the Barloworld deal last week PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG

First National Bank of Botswana (FNBB) through its corporate investment banking division, Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), has extended a P105 million green building loan to Barloworld, in yet another milestone in sustainable funding in the local market. The five-year loan is for the construction of a new Barloworld Head Office building in Phakalane.

The building, which will be launched in May, is said to have achieved notable sustainability certifications, including EDGE Advanced Certification (Preliminary Certification), with impressive statistics such as 51% energy efficiency, 29% water savings, and 31% less embodied energy in materials.

Commenting on the development, RMB acting director, Harriet Mlalazi, said the ground-breaking deal is a first for the Botswana market, adding that through the transaction, RMB also provided advisory services to Barloworld as the sole arranger and lender.


Editor's Comment
Micro-procurement maze demands urgent reform

Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...

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