Stanbic Bank Botswana today reaffirms its strategic commitment to Botswana’s tourism sector through its partnership with the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB) for the 2026 Annual Conference, taking place this week in Maun. The sponsorship, valued at P250,000, underscores the Bank’s continued support for tourism as a key driver of economic diversification, employment creation, foreign exchange earnings, and inclusive national growth.
Being held under the theme “Re-defining Tourism Strategies to Reshape the Botswana Tourism Landscape,” the conference brings together operators, policymakers, financiers, development partners, and community stakeholders to shape the future direction of one of Botswana’s most important industries. As part of its support, Stanbic Bank Botswana sponsored and hosted the official Welcome Cocktail on 22 April, creating an important platform for engagement, relationship-building, and strategic dialogue ahead of the main conference proceedings.
Tourism remains one of Botswana’s most valuable economic sectors, sustaining livelihoods across rural communities, supporting citizen enterprise, and strengthening Botswana’s international competitiveness. It also aligns strongly with national priorities under Vision 2036 and the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP), both of which recognise the importance of diversified, high-impact growth sectors.
For Stanbic Bank Botswana, support for tourism forms part of a broader commitment to sectors that create meaningful economic value and unlock long-term opportunity. The Bank continues to work across the tourism ecosystem, supporting operators, SMEs, suppliers, and community-linked enterprises with relevant financial solutions, growth capital, and advisory support.
Stanbic Bank Botswana Chief Executive, Chose Modise, notes tourism represented one of Botswana’s clearest pathways to broad-based prosperity. “Tourism is one of the most powerful instruments we have for building an economy that works for all Batswana. Our support for this sector goes beyond sponsorship. It reflects our belief that business has a role to play in helping create the conditions for industries to grow, communities to benefit, and Botswana to compete confidently on the global stage.”
Modise added that Stanbic Bank Botswana’s involvement in HATAB reflected the Bank’s broader purpose of driving growth in the country it calls home. “Platforms such as HATAB are where ideas become action. They create the partnerships, conversations and momentum needed to move sectors forward. We are proud to stand alongside industry in helping unlock the full potential of Botswana tourism, and we further congratulate HATAB on both the successful platform and on the newly elected HATAB Executive Board. We are proud to stand beside our partners once more.”
The HATAB Annual Conference continues to serve as one of Botswana’s most influential tourism forums. The forum providing a space where industry priorities, policy direction, and investment opportunities can be advanced through collective action, and this year’s edition cements that purpose and impact.