10 Jul 2024

First National Bank Botswana (FNBB) and Botho University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as a commitment to working together to build a brighter future for Botswana through education development and national economic growth.

Speaking during the MoU signing in Gaborone Tuesday, FNBB chief executive officer, Mr Steven Bogatsu said the ceremony marked a significant milestone in the bank’s ongoing commitment to the growth and development of the country’s education and economic sectors.

“At FNBB we have always believed that a true measure of success lies in shared prosperity. This belief underpins our dedication to the education and development of our nation,” he said.

By developing partnerships with esteemed institutions, such as Botho University, Mr Bogatsu said the bank was not only investing in the youth’s future, but also in the country’s future.

Recently, he said, the country made efforts to improve local economic growth and diversification hence a collaboration as such built on the foundation of enriching Botswana’s workforce.

He said increasing the nation’s competitiveness was crucial to sustaining and accelerating the  dream. In this regard, FNBB CEO said the bank found it fitting to focus on upskilling Botswana workforce and creating opportunities that aligned with the demands of a modern economy.

“As part of this MoU, FNBB is committed to receiving continuing students and graduates, from Botho University, for our Graduate Development Programmes and industrial attachments,” he added.

In addition to providing Botho University students with insights from seasoned professionals and helping them navigate career paths with confidence, the banks’ workforce, Mr Bogatsu said, brought with it a wealth of knowledge and experience. He said their involvement in the projects would undoubtedly contribute to the rounded development of the communities.

“Our commitment extends beyond the classroom. This partnership ensures that students gain practical experience and exposure to real world banking environments, equipping them with skills necessary to excel in their careers,” said Mr Bogatsu.

He said by integrating FNBB’s industry expertise with academic learning, the bank aimed to bridge the gap between education and employment, thereby creating a seamless transition for students into the workforce. He said it was essential for the bank to stay ahead in today’s fast changing world of banking and finance,.

To this end, the CEO said the bank had a senior representative serving as an Industry Reference Forum member in relevant disciplines, such as banking and finance, which ensured that the curriculum was relevant and aligned with industry standards.

He expressed confidence that by working hand in hand with Botho University, FNBB would unlock the potential of young people, empower communities and also drive the nation towards prosperity.

“I look forward to this positive impact and partnership, which this will undoubtedly bring. Thank you very much for this partnership. I’m looking forward to the success of this journey with Botho University,” he added.

For her part, Botho University pro-vice chancellor- People and Impact, Dr Priya Iyer said the MoU would form a big part in the university, playing a good role across other disciplines, such as the Business and Accounting Faculty, as well as mainstreaming its benefits into all university programmes.

The partnership, Dr Iyer said, was momentous, stressing that Botho University kept the employability of its students at the core of its mission.

“Our strategy revolves around the employability of the students and for that it requires people like you to partner with us, because we cannot do it all alone. We can teach them, but in order to give them that experience in the real life world of work, it requires people like you to come on board therefore we do value these partnerships,” she said.

In all the programmes that Botho University offers, she said the institution had always involved the industry as much as possible.

Dr Iyer said all Botho University programmes had a mandatory semester-long internship to give students the real world of work experience. She said the  internship was assessed, as part of the programme, with constant interaction between lectures and industry staff to ensure that students achieved the goal of the internship.

“We find the internship programme very important in shaping the students’ to fit the job market. We give a lot of value to the feedback that we get from industry and as much as possible incorporate it,” she said. ENDS