19 Jun 2025

Standard Chartered Bank Botswana has announced a landmark sponsorship of P1 million for the upcoming 2025 University of Botswana (UB) Marathon.

Speaking during the launch in Gaborone on Wednesday, the bank’s chief executive officer, Mr Mpho Masupe, said the sponsorship aligned with the bank’s purpose of driving commerce and prosperity through initiatives that empowered local communities.

The sponsorship, he said reaffirmed its commitment to community development, sporting excellence and the promotion of sports tourism in the country.

“We are proud to support the UB Marathon once again and this time with a record contribution of P1 million. This is not just an investment in sport only, but it is an investment in health, education, and the socio-economic development of Botswana,” Masupe said. 

As part of its broader goal to build a more inclusive and sustainable future, he said the bank aimed to empower diverse groups, particularly young people, women and persons living with disabilities.

UB Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, welcomed the partnership and commended Standard Chartered for its continued support.

The UB Marathon is more than a race. It is a platform for nation-building. The partnership with Standard Chartered is a testament to what corporate-social collaboration can achieve for our youth, our athletes, and our country,” he said.

Prof. Norris said the sponsorship would go toward organising the marathon, increasing prize money for athletes and supporting the UB Scholarship Endowment Fund, which provided postgraduate scholarships to deserving students.

He also emphasised the role of the partnership in elevating Botswana’s profile as a rising hub for international sporting events.

For her part, UB Chancellor, Tebelelo Seretse thanked the bank for giving back to the community they were doing business in, further calling on other institutions to follow suit in supporting national development, especially during challenging economy times.

This year’s UB Marathon scheduled for September 7, will feature a full marathon (42.2km), a half marathon (21.1km), a 10km race and a 5km fun run. ENDS