04 Sep 2016

Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) has been applauded for educating the public about the importance of investing in BSE listed companies.

Speaking on behalf of Maun West MP, Kgosi Tawana Moremi, Ms Bontekanye Botumile, said stock market and financial literacy remained a challenge as many companies and individuals did not have access to information on the role of the stock market and how they could access the available products. 

Ms Botumile, who was speaking at the second BSE open day in Maun on Thursday, said it was also commendable that BSE not only wanted to execute its mandate, but to develop the sector as a whole.

She said educating Batswana about the stock market and different products that were available for investment was of fundamental importance.

“It certainly goes beyond just providing information and networking, in fact, it is this education that will demonstrate to Batswana how there are alternatives ways of generating wealth apart from the norm,” explained Ms Botumile.

She said in the past, one might have thought that they needed a lot of money to invest in the stock market, but it was important for people to realise that the stock market was for those willing to invest in it. She also noted that there were benefits that other individual and companies were enjoying, benefits that could be enjoyed by all provided they were active participants in the stock exchange. 

Ms Botumile urged individuals and businesses in Ngamiland to invest in the stocks so that they could flourish and grow their wealth.

For her part Kgosi Kealetile Moremi of Batawana also commended BSE for bridging the gap between the bourse and the ordinary Motswana through public campaigns.

Kgosi Moremi observed that with the stock market still perceived to be a ‘foreign’ investment avenue, many Batswana tend to shy away from investing in the listed securities due to lack of information and understanding.

To stay relevant in today’s investment climate, investors need to be continually updated on the latest products and developments, she noted adding that it was imperative for Batswana to open up their eyes and look beyond their scope of thinking.

“Diversifying your portfolio from traditional forms of investments such as property and breeding livestock will ultimately minimize the risk you may experience in the long run, something that many Batswana have not been able to comprehend,” said Kgosi Moremi.

She said public education campaigns such as this would ensure that awareness was raised about capital markets as well as a promotion of a culture of investing among Batswana was instilled.

In addition she said it must be recognised that BSE does not only avail avenue for investors, but also provides a stepping stone for business owners to expand their operations.

“As a strong component of economic diversification and citizen empowerment, we take immense pride in how the BSE has assisted in growing privately-owned entities to achieve their strategic goals by utilising the exchange as a platform for growth.” 

Kgosi Moremi said the growth of private sector was not only pivotal to the economy as a whole, but also affects the lives of every Motswana with due regard to job creation and changes in infrastructure. ENDS