15 Apr 2019

Member of Parliament for Nata/Gweta, Mr Polson Majaga, says the Botswana Stock Exchange Limited (BSEL) is for all Batswana.

Giving a keynote address at BSEL Open day in Nata recently, Mr Majaga said issues of financial literacy and inclusiveness were paramount at a micro and macro level.

He explained that government appreciated efforts taken by financial institutions such as BSEL to impart knowledge and transform lives.

He said BSEL provided an array of investment products such as shares, bonds and exchange traded funds that assisted in diversifying one’s investment portfolio.

Mr Majaga said these investment products had different risk profiles and returns, allowing investors a variety of investment options to choose from to achieve their financial goals.

He said BSEL was not only a market place where investment products were traded, but also a platform where entrepreneurs and businesses could raise capital to grow their operations.

He explained that small, medium and large companies used the BSEL to raise capital

In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Letsogo Kgaswa of Nata said BSEL’s initiative of an open day brought the stock market closer to the people.

He said this was testimony that the stock market was not for the elite, but rather for everyone and “we are grateful to receive information and education on how we can participate as ordinary Batswana,” he added,

Kgosi Kgaswa further explained that the need to promote financial literacy was an important national priority and so was the promotion of financial inclusion.

Kgosi Kgaswa said the traditional forms of investment such as farming, property, insurance and motshelo were acceptable amongst Batswana.

However, he added, the stock market continued to elude many Batswana due to lack of understanding.

He added that Batswana must learn how to utilise the stock exchange to access capital and expand their businesses.

The open day was meant to increase outreach as well as educate the public about the stock market and the importance of investing.

The initiative further served as a platform to guide participants on the process of investing in BSEL and address concerns regarding the stock market.

The half-day seminar also provided a platform for business owners to draw lessons and knowledge on how listing could assist in expanding business operations. ENDS