Absa Bank Botswana added thousands of new customers during the first half of 2026 as the lender accelerated its digital banking strategy, growing its customer base to more than 380,000.
The bank reported 6% customer growth year-on-year. The performance is attributed to investments in digital channels, financial inclusion initiatives and improvements to customer experience.
Managing Director Keabetswe Pheko-Moshagane said customer-led growth remained central to the bank’s strategy.
“Customer-led Growth, supported by deepening relationships and expanding access to put customers at the centre of our growth agenda, has been very pivotal,” she said.
The bank said it had focused on improving customer journeys, expanding digital access and providing financial solutions across different stages of customers’ lives.
A key part of that effort was the relaunch of Spark by Absa Wallet.
“The relaunch of Spark by Absa Wallet, together with continued growth in digital payments and self-service channels, is helping us broaden financial inclusion and improve convenience,” Pheko-Moshagane said.
She added that these initiatives had contributed directly to customer growth.
“Households continue to face pressure from the cost of essential goods and services, rising transport and energy costs, as well as constrained disposable income,” Pheko-Moshagane said. “Small businesses and larger corporates alike are navigating higher operating costs, uneven demand and uncertainty about the pace of recovery.”
“These initiatives contributed to 6% year-on-year customer growth, taking our customer base to more than 380 thousand.
Our focus remains on growing relationships sustainably and in a manner that creates value for both customers and the Bank,” she said.
The expansion comes despite an economy in which many households and businesses continue to face financial strain.
“Households continue to face pressure from the cost of essential goods and services, rising transport and energy costs, as well as constrained disposable income,” Pheko-Moshagane said. “Small businesses and larger corporates alike are navigating higher operating costs, uneven demand and uncertainty about the pace of recovery.”
She said the bank remained committed to supporting customers while maintaining financial discipline.
“We will continue to engage customers responsibly, provide appropriate financial solutions, support viable businesses and maintain prudent lending standards,” she said.
Beyond customer acquisition, Absa continued investing in its digital infrastructure, expanding its ATM network, strengthening digital channels and improving processing systems. The bank also increased spending on cybersecurity and operational resilience as it seeks to build a more digitally enabled franchise.
“We made tangible progress in building a digitally powered and more efficient Bank,” Pheko-Moshagane said. “Investments in our ATM network, straight-through processing, digital channels and customer journeys are improving accessibility, reliability and productivity.”
Absa Botswana board chairman Cosmas Moapare said he was also encouraged.
“I am also encouraged by the progress we are making in expanding our digital capabilities, diversifying our income streams as these will ensure that we remain relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of our customers,” Moapare said.
