Stanbic Bank Botswana is pleased to announce the launch of a landmark Citizen Economic Empowerment Programme (CEEP) partnership with Debswana Diamond Company to drive sustainable economic growth and in the mining sector, a core area of Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB) support of Stanbic Bank. The union was formalised on the 4th of June 2024 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Jwaneng Golf Club.
This is the third notable CEEP partnership launched by Stanbic Bank in the last 6 months and follows on from MoUs signed with Tokafala and Botswana Chamber of Mines (BCM), all geared to collectively reaffirm the Bank’s perseverance to Social, Economic and Environmental (SEE) strategic ambitions. Stanbic Bank will allocate BWP1,000,000.00 in funding towards this collaborative effort with Botswana’s leading diamond mining business. This is also supported by the Bank’s sponsorship of and participation in the 2024 Future of Mining Summit.
Said Stanbic Bank Botswana Head of Citizen Economic Empowerment Programme, Kushatha Chilisa, “This collaboration with Debswana marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to contribute meaningfully to the economic empowerment of Batswana. Through this programme, we aim to create sustainable opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs, ultimately driving economic growth and improving livelihoods.”
The collaboration underlines a shared commitment to enhancing the socio-economic landscape of Botswana by empowering citizens through entrepreneurship development which entails providing training, mentorship, and financial support to budding entrepreneurs to help them establish and grow their businesses. In addition, skills development through implementation of vocational training programs to equip individuals with the skills needed to succeed in various industries and lastly SME Support by offering tailored financial solutions and advisory services to small and medium-sized enterprises to enhance their growth and sustainability.
Said Jwaneng Mine General Manager, Goitseone Gadifele, emphasising the importance of such partnerships in achieving long-term community development goals,” Debswana is committed to fostering sustainable development in the communities we operate in. Our partnership with Stanbic Bank Botswana will enable us to leverage our collective resources and expertise to empower citizens and support the growth of local enterprises, thereby contributing to the overall economic resilience of Botswana.”Stanbic Bank supports Botswana’s National aspirations of the Reset Agenda and Mindset Change, leveraging collaboration to advance social progress and catapult the country’s economy into a high-income status. Another memorandum of understanding with Debswana will be signed on the 11th of June in Orapa.