16 Oct 2025

Local private equity firm, Africa Lighthouse Capital, has acquired a minority stake in micro lending financial service provider Bayport Financial Services.

The two entities have not disclosed more details on the minority stake, citing a desire to safeguard investor interests. The development is however expected to boost Bayport Financial Services' drive to expand access to responsible credit lending.

Chief Executive Officer of Africa Lighthouse Capital, Mr Bame Pule said in a press conference in Gaborone on October 14, that the investment underscored the company's commitment to financial inclusion and expansion of responsible credit for working Batswana.

“Bayport takes a conservative approach to lending,” he explained, pointing that the partnership would enable Bayport to empower its clients to achieve financial wellness through responsible access.

Top uses of money borrowed from Bayport include those seeking health services, paying for education, and building houses, Mr Pule said.

He said the process of buying the stake started in March 2024 and would be completed in November, adding that Africa Lighthouse Capital had satisfied itself through a thorough due diligence process before investing.

He added that Africa Lighthouse Capital was attracted to Bayport by its ability to grow even when the economy was challenging, noting that the loan book had been substantially growing over the years.

Furthermore, he said Africa Lighthouse Capital had seen growth in new customers, especially those not getting assistance from commercial banks.

Bayport Management Limited Group chief financial officer Mr Greg Davis hailed the partnership saying the investment would have a positive impact on Batswana by allowing them to advance their lives.

Mr Davis said Bayport, a major player in the country's micro-lending landscape having operated in the country since 2010, was privileged to be working with Africa Lighthouse Capital, expressing hope that the partnership would move the business of empowering Batswana forward.

Chief Executive Officer of Bayport Botswana, Mr Sinclair Sithole pointed that the company was a market leader, which supported responsible lending.

“We ensure that people do not hurt themselves in the lending process; we protect our clients," he said, adding that the company currently has over 25,000 active clients. ENDS