Absa Bank Botswana has reaffirmed its commitment to Botswana’s economic diversification by emphasising that inclusive financial solutions, business development support, and strategic partnerships can accelerate rural industrialisation and create sustainable livelihoods in village economies.
Speaking at the Bobirwa District Council Rural Development (Industrialisation) Summit in Mmadinare on Tuesday, Absa Bank Botswana Managing Director Keabetswe Pheko-Moshagane stated that industrialisation requires more than just access to finance.
“Bobirwa, Mmadinare and the Selebi-Phikwe region possess enormous economic potential across agriculture, agro-processing, beekeeping, aquaculture, manufacturing, logistics, tourism and mining-related industries. The real question is not whether opportunities exist, but how we convert them into sustainable businesses, employment and inclusive economic growth,” Pheko-Moshagane said, emphasising that Absa’s role extends beyond providing capital.
She added, “Industrialisation happens when entrepreneurs have access to finance, markets, skills, technology and trusted partners. Our role is to help businesses become sustainable, competitive and bankable by supporting them at every stage of their growth journey.”
Absa assured the Bobirwa community that, the bank supports the entire agricultural value chain, from production and processing to storage, logistics, retail, and export, by providing financing solutions that help businesses expand and add local value.
With solutions such as Spark by Absa, digital banking platforms, and SME-focused payment options like Mobi Tap, Absa Bank enables entrepreneurs and cooperatives to participate in the formal economy and build the financial track records required for future funding.
Vice President and also Minister of Finance Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe stated that the summit provides a platform for dialogue among stakeholders to advance rural development priorities. He noted that programmes such as Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP), UNDP-12, and RDC are vital for promoting equitable growth and sustainable development in Mmadinare and nearby communities.
Gaolathe highlighted Mmadinare’s potential as a hub for citrus and cotton production, noting that these sectors offer significant opportunities to attract investment, create jobs, and drive economic growth in the region.
Absa assured the Bobirwa community that, the bank supports the entire agricultural value chain, from production and processing to storage, logistics, retail, and export, by providing financing solutions that help businesses expand and add local value.
Pheko-Moshagane echoed that cooperatives can drive citizen-led industrialisation but must become commercially sustainable through strong governance, business planning, and financial management.
Absa emphasised that through partnerships, opportunities can be transformed into enterprises, and enterprises into industries, building resilient village economies that foster lasting prosperity.
