27 Sep 2023

Standard Chartered Bank consistently seeks avenues to support excellence in education and contribute actively to the development of Botswana and its education system, says the bank’s Chief Executive Officer Mr Mpho Masupe.

Speaking at the sponsorship launch of the Standard Chartered bank and Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) graduation ceremony on September 25, Mr Masupe said the bank's commitment of P300 000 for the 2023 graduation, underscored its dedication to fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and talent development. "At Standard Chartered Bank, we are honoured to be part of BUAN's 2023 graduation ceremony and to sponsor this momentous occasion. Our mission is to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators who will drive positive change in Botswana's agriculture sector,” he said.

Mr Masupe said StandChart recognized the agricultural sector's significance, hence the bank’s partnership with BUAN was a milestone and proud moment with the potential to yield positive results for the beneficiation of the country’s education system and food security.

The bank’s partnership with BUAN, Mr Masupe said, was of even greater significance as Standard Chartered is BUAN’s sole banker adding that its digital solutions have been recognized for their superior qualities both for their consumer and corporate platforms.

This, he said, aligned with BUAN’s vision to produce innovative graduates and technological solutions that would create greater efficiencies for the sustainable growth of the agricultural sector.

He said the bank's sponsorship would assist in recognizing outstanding achievement and inspire learners to excel in their studies.

  Mr Masupe said the importance of agriculture to the economy could not be understated, saying it was for this reason that Standard Chartered bank aimed to support entities within the sector to ensure that they adequately facilitate Batswana to grow this sector.

“Standard Chartered Bank is proud to stand beside BUAN, its students, and the agricultural community in celebrating these accomplishments and fostering innovation and talent development,” he said. “Our goal is to continue being an active force in our communities.”

BUAN Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ketlhatlogile Mosepele applauded the sponsorship highlighting that it would contribute towards BUAN’s commitment to live up to its mandate of producing innovative graduates and technological solutions for sustainable development in agriculture and natural resources sectors.

Prof. Mosepele said BUAN had an important role to play in the attainment of food security and sustainable use of natural resources in Botswana.“BUAN is prepared to lead in the commercialization of the agricultural sector, for farmers to produce enough food both for self-sustenance and exportation,” he said. ENDS