Absa Bank Botswana has partnered with the Naledi Vegetable and Fruits Market to support local farmers, Small and and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and entrepreneurs by strengthening market access and creating opportunities for sustainable business growth.
The partnership was formalised at the official opening of the Naledi Vegetable and Fruits Market today, Tuesday 13 October 2026, held under the theme “Connecting Farmers to Markets.” This initiative gives farmers a platform to connect directly with consumers and businesses while
promoting local production, entrepreneurship, and economic participation.
For Absa, the partnership reinforces its commitment to supporting businesses across the agricultural value chain and contributing to Botswana’s broader economic diversification agenda. Commenting on the partnership, Absa Bank Botswana’s Retail Director, John Lalit D’Souza, said, “Connecting farmers to markets is about more than creating a place to sell produce. It is about creating an ecosystem where farmers can produce, trade, receive payments, reinvest and grow.”
“Absa wants to be a partner to businesses throughout that journey, providing not only access to to finance, but also transactional and digital solutions that help businesses become more sustainable and competitive.”
Agriculture and the development of micro and small enterprises remain important to Botswana’s economic transformation ambitions, with national development priorities placing greater emphasis on economic diversification, private-sector growth, local production and value creation.
Absa continues to support SMEs through funding, business development and tailored financial solutions. During the first half of 2026, the Bank provided P96.6 million in SME funding, while while continuing to support enterprise development through initiatives focused on financial literacy, capacity building and women in business.
The Bank also offers specialised agribusiness solutions, including production loans, term loans, commercial asset finance, overdraft facilities, purchase-order finance and invoice discounting, designed to support businesses across different stages of the agricultural cycle.
Beyond financing, Absa is helping businesses participate in the growing digital economy. Absa’s MobiTap enables eligible merchants to use an NFC-enabled Android smartphone to accept Visa and Mastercard payments, providing a convenient payment solution for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
The Bank offers a range of business banking solutions, including Business Current and Savings Accounts, and the SHE Account, as well as merchant and digital payment solutions.
Through its partnership with Naledi, Absa aims to strengthen its role as a banking partner for farmers, entrepreneurs and SMEs, helping connect farmers to markets, businesses to opportunities and communities to sustainable growth.
