26/07/2025
๐๐๐ฌ๐ ๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐จ๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐ก๐๐ง๐ณ๐ข ๐๐ ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ก๐จ๐ฐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐ญ๐ก ๐๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐๐๐ซ
Absa Bank Botswana has reaffirmed its commitment to the agricultural sector by sponsoring the livestock segment of the 2025 Ghanzi Agricultural Show. This marks the tenth consecutive year the bank has supported the event.
The sponsorship covers all prizes for small stock and livestock categories, as well as support for animal handlers participating in the show.
Speaking on the initiative, Keletso Setimela, Director of Business Banking at Absa Bank Botswana, noted the bankโs strong strategic focus on the agricultural sector, stating that Absa remains actively engaged and committed to supporting growth within the industry.
โWe saw it fit that, as one of the stakeholders that we support our clients and the Ghanzi community as they position themselves in the agricultural space,โ Setimela said in an interview.
Setimela described the sector as one that can contribute to the economic diversification of the country.
โIf you look at the issues of food security, import substitution, GDP growth, and employment creation, the sector can contribute to all that,โ he said.
โAs farmers, we would like to see farmers adopting technologies that enable them to become more efficient. We encourage them to adopt smart agriculture and make sure we bring in top genetics to improve the national herd.โ
While the national herd pop**ation has declined significantly, Setimela said this provides Absa with an opportunity to partner with the farmers to increase the livestock pop**ation.
Absa is supporting the sector with several products and solutions, such as agric loans, agric mortgage loans, working capital, commercial access finance, and training and mentoring to clients.
โAs Absa, we believe that we go beyond banking to nurture and support our clients,โ he said.
As part of its broader role in the agric sector, Absa has been supporting the Ghanzi show for the past 10 years and has become one of the main sponsors for the event.
โOn an annual basis, we make sure that we commit resources,โ he said.
โWe are also one of the main sponsors for the National Agriculture Show, and on average, we spend around P500,000 supporting the sector.โ
Setimela said the bank has also supported other agric shows across the country, such as Sandveld and Mookane Farmers' days, and will also participate in the national one in Gaborone.
He said this demonstrates the bankโs commitment to ensuring that the sector transforms.
Moreover, he said the Ghanzi show theme for this year, โSowing the seeds of innovation for agricultural transformationโ, aligns with how Absa aims to deal with agriculture, where technology is adopted, new ways of farming are implemented, and farmers become more effective.
โWe also want farmers who are in green agriculture,โ he said.
Recently honoured as Best Agri Business Bank Botswana 2024 by the Global Banking & Finance Review Awards, Absa Bank Botswana has been recognised for its bespoke financial solutions designed to empower farmers and agri-entrepreneurs.
These accolades highlight the bankโs dedication to innovation, client-centric services, and sustainable sectoral growth.
Keabetswe Pheko-Moshagane, Managing Director of Absa Bank Botswana, emphasised the significance of such partnerships.
โAgriculture is the backbone of Botswanaโs economy, and Absa is proud to stand with our farmers and agri-businesses as they innovate and grow,โ she said.
โOur continuous partnership with the Ghanzi Agricultural Show reflects our belief in the sectorโs full potential to transform livelihoods and drive national prosperity. Through tailored financing, capacity-building, and strategic collaborations, we are committed to unlocking opportunities that propel Botswana forward.โ
Pheko-Moshagane said the bankโs involvement in initiatives like the Ghanzi Show isnโt just sponsorship, but an investment in Botswanaโs future.
โBy bridging financial gaps and fostering sectoral resilience, we help build an economy that thrives through multiple sectors,โ she said.
Absaโs participation in the Ghanzi Agricultural Show demonstrates the critical role financial institutions must play in supporting high-impact sectors.
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