Standard Chartered PLC (the Group) announced in November 2024 its intent to explore the potential sale of its Botswana WRB business, further to the Group’s strategic priorities as set out at our Q3 2024 results, aimed at accelerating income growth, and returns. Through market engagements, bidders have made it clear that they see significant value in the combined scale of the full SC Botswana franchise – including in the potential for efficient funding, operational leverage,...

The botswana institute of chartered accountants (bica) has proudly introduced the bachelor of commerce in chartered accountancy, a pioneering program developed in collaboration with botswana accountancy college (bac), arthur portland, ba isago university, botho university, university of botswana, and my pal accountancy and fintech college. The official unveiling took place at the bica headquarters in gaborone on november 27, 2025. This launch ceremony, attended by industry leaders and media representatives, represents a pivotal moment in...

A recent survey conducted by the Bank of Botswana (BoB) reveals a significant and concerning decline in business confidence among companies operating within Botswana during the fourth quarter of 2025. This downward shift in sentiment is primarily attributed to an increasingly fragile economic environment and a noticeable reduction in government expenditure, factors that collectively weigh heavily on the outlook for domestic commerce and investment. The quarterly Business Expectations Survey (BES), a key indicator that gathers...

Vidya Sanooj, the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Choppies Group, has recently been nominated for the prestigious ESG Pioneer 2025 Award, marking a significant milestone both in her illustrious career and for the company she represents. This nomination highlights not just an individual’s commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles but also shines a spotlight on Choppies Group’s growing reputation as a leader in sustainable business practices across Africa. Choppies Group, founded in Botswana...

New trade figures released this week reveal that Botswana has spent a staggering P9.2 billion on food imports from January through August 2025. This surge follows ongoing struggles within the country’s agricultural sector, which continues to underdeliver. Throughout the first eight months of this year, Botswana’s local food production – encompassing farms and food processing industries, has shown little sign of improvement. The data reveals that the country’s cereal imports alone amounted to P1.6 billion,...

Increases MoPR from 1.9 percent to 3.5 percent At a pivotal meeting on October 30, 2025, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of Botswana took the unexpected—but calculated—step of increasing the country’s Monetary Policy Rate (MoPR) by a hefty 160 basis points, raising it from 1.9 percent to 3.5 percent. What set this decision apart from typical rate hikes was the unique directive accompanying it: commercial banks were explicitly instructed not to raise...

The Governor of the Bank of Botswana, Mr Cornelius Dekop, led the Bank’s delegation, comprising senior officials, to the 2025 Annual Meetings of the IMF and World Bank, held in Washington DC, United States of America, from 13 – 18, October 2025. In his capacity as the Governor for Botswana at the IMF and Chairperson of the Africa Group 1 Constituency (comprising 14 countries in Sub[1]Saharan Africa) for the 2024 – 2026 term, Governor Dekop...

In Gaborone, a quiet but powerful shift is underway. What was once seen as waste, copper cables buried underground and replaced by fibre, is now being reborn into new products and opportunities as well as a renewed vision for sustainability. At the heart of this transformation is BTC, Botswana’s leading telecommunications company, working hand in hand with Sindawonye Granulators and Processors Pty Ltd, a regional leader in copper recycling with operations in South Africa, Zimbabwe,...

The roaring cascade of Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world, will serve as a stunning backdrop this October for an event that promises to shape the economic future of Africa. From October 14 to 18, 2025, the Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls is hosting the 11th CEO Africa Annual Roundtable, a gathering of some of the continent’s most influential business leaders, investors, and policymakers. This event, now in its second...

Offering free hospital cash cover to its active customers Orange Money Botswana has unveiled a groundbreaking embedded insurance product offering free hospital cash cover to its active customers, marking a strategic push to expand financial inclusion and reduce the financial burden that some about due to medical emergencies. The Orange Money Hospital Cash Benefit provides active Orange Money users with insurance cover that is applied in the event of hospitalisation at any hospital that is...