Access Bank Botswana recently hosted an unprecedented gathering where over 100 senior leaders from across its 22 countries of operation converged for a two-day retreat. From 29 August to 2 September 2024, Gaborone served as the epicentre of strategic discussions, visionary leadership, and groundbreaking decisions as the bank’s top executives came together to shape the future of the institution.
The retreat featured key figures from across the Bank’s network, including Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Non-Executive Chairman of Access Holdings Plc; Bolaji Agbede, Acting Group CEO of Access Holdings Plc; Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc; Paul Usoro, Chairman/Non-Executive Director of Access Bank Plc, and several other distinguished leaders who are instrumental in driving the Bank’s success across its 22 countries of operation.
This event marked the first time Access Bank Botswana had been selected to host such a significant gathering. The retreat provided a crucial platform for in-depth discussions on Governance & Risk, Consumer Lending Business, the Bank’s Business Strategy, People & Culture, IT & Service Delivery, and other pivotal areas.
The decision to hold the retreat in Gaborone highlighted Botswana’s growing importance within Access Bank’s operations and its alignment with the Bank’s mission to be the world’s most respected African bank. Known for its stable economy and vibrant culture, Botswana provided the perfect backdrop for this high-level event. For Access Bank Botswana, hosting this retreat was a matter of immense pride. The Bank was eager to showcase the country’s potential as a financial hub and its unique role within the broader Access Bank family.
Sheperd Aisam, Managing Director of Access Bank Botswana, reflected on the retreat’s significance, “Hosting this retreat was a tremendous honour for Access Bank Botswana. It was an opportunity for us to contribute to the broader goals of the Bank. More than just a strategic meeting, this retreat embodied our ‘More than Banking’ philosophy—demonstrating how we are committed to going beyond traditional banking to create meaningful impact across our communities. We were excited to welcome our colleagues from across the world and to showcase what makes Botswana such a unique and vital part of our network.”
Throughout the retreat, participants were immersed in the rich cultural tapestry of Botswana, with highlights including a cultural night themed “Selemela”—a symbol of growth, unity, and the shared journey of Access Bank’s leadership as they steer the organisation towards new horizons. The theme of Selemela resonated deeply with the Bank’s core values of collaboration and innovation, reinforcing the collective mission to drive progress across all markets.
Lorato Mosetlhanyane, Chairman of Access Bank Botswana, highlighted the significance of the engagement, stating, “This retreat was a momentous occasion for Access Bank Botswana. It symbolised the strength of our unity and our collective ambition to lead the way in the banking industry, highlighting the unique value that Botswana brings to the Access Bank family. This event truly reflected our commitment to delivering ‘More than Banking’ in every aspect of our operations.”
This retreat was a defining moment for Access Bank Botswana to set the agenda for the future and to reinforce the Bank’s commitment to leading the industry. The decisions made in Gaborone, are expected to echo across the continent, shaping the direction of Access Bank’s operations and influencing the broader financial landscape.
