In a strategic move to boost Botswana’s small business sector, Stanbic Bank and Okavango Wilderness Safaris have signed a landmark five-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that form part of the tourism value chain.
The partnership, announced this week, is set to provide financial assistance to local suppliers who service Okavango Wilderness Safaris, one of the country’s premier eco-tourism operators. Under the agreement, Stanbic Bank will extend tailored loan products and support packages to help qualifying small businesses scale up operations, improve efficiency, and meet the growing demand within the tourism sector.
The MoU marks a significant step forward in bridging the gap between large-scale tourism operations and the smaller enterprises that help sustain them. It also aligns with Botswana’s broader national goals of job creation, economic diversification, and inclusive growth—particularly in rural and remote areas where tourism is a major driver of livelihoods.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, representatives from both institutions highlighted the importance of strengthening local supply chains to create long-term economic resilience. “This collaboration is not just about funding; it’s about creating sustainable businesses,” said a Stanbic Bank spokesperson. “We are proud to partner with Okavango Wilderness Safaris in nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Botswana forward.”
Okavango Wilderness Safaris echoed the sentiment, noting that empowering small businesses improves the overall sustainability of the tourism industry. “Our suppliers are a vital part of our ecosystem. By giving them access to financing, we are investing in the future of eco-tourism and community development,” a representative said.
Targeted beneficiaries of the program include local producers, transport providers, artisans, and service-based SMEs who consistently deliver goods and services to the safari camps. These businesses often face challenges accessing credit due to a lack of collateral or formal banking history—issues the new initiative is designed to overcome through flexible financing solutions and mentorship.
The partnership is expected to create a ripple effect, supporting not only business growth but also community upliftment, particularly in the northern regions where tourism plays a central economic role. With the backing of a major financial institution and a respected tourism brand, many small enterprises now have an opportunity to scale up, hire more staff, and invest in quality improvements.
As the five-year plan unfolds, both Stanbic Bank and Okavango Wilderness Safaris have pledged to monitor its impact closely and make adjustments where needed to ensure that the initiative delivers lasting value for Botswana’s SMEs and communities.
