Page 17 - Stanbic Bank IR 2024

STANBIC BANK BOTSWANA LIMITED | Integrated Report 2024 15

Performance that reflected our purpose Governance: Leading with integrity

Stanbic Bank Botswana Limited achieved a remarkable 43.7% Strong governance is the cornerstone of our success. At Stanbic,
year-on-year growth in Profit Before Tax (PBT), closing at P950 we embrace this responsibility with the utmost seriousness, using
million. This outstanding performance reflects our strategic focus prudent decision-making as a driving force for the Bank’s
on innovation, a transformative digital journey, loan book long-term growth and stability. Our Board exemplifies the highest
optimisation, and enhanced credit risk management—further standards of corporate governance, embodying transparency,
positioning the Bank for sustained growth and stability. accountability, and ethical leadership. I am particularly gratified
by the diverse composition of the Board and Country Leadership
Our success is deeply rooted in our Purpose: “Botswana is our Council, encompassing a rich blend of gender, ethnicity, age, and
home, we drive her growth.” This guiding principle shapes every professional expertise, ensuring the interests of all our
decision we make to deliver meaningful impact, as evident in stakeholders are thoroughly represented and effectively
several key areas: addressed.
„ Targeted stakeholder engagement was foundational to I am pleased to welcome Mr. Michael Kgengwenyane, Mr. Richard
deepening our understanding of not only our clients’ needs but Irvine, Dr Agnes Khunwana and Ms. Realeboga Phoi who joined
also those of our employees, communities, and shareholders. the Board during the reporting period. Their addition will no doubt
This comprehensive approach allowed us to offer valuable bring further strength to the Board.
guidance and support across all levels, reinforcing our
commitment to creating shared value for all our stakeholders. In summary I see two distinct opportunities for the Board to
„ Our dedicated employees are the driving force behind our leverage: enhancing our responsiveness to emerging risks and
remarkable achievements. Their unwavering commitment, further strengthening our stakeholder engagement. These
resilience, and innovative solutions enabled us to navigate insights will guide our continuous improvement efforts as we
challenges and seize opportunities, ensuring the continued strive to uphold the trust placed in us by our clients, employees,
growth and success of our organisation. and shareholders.
„ Our commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning
has significantly enhanced individual capabilities and
contributed to our overall success. Over the past year, we have Advancing Social, Economic, and
made substantial investments in developing specialized Environmental Inclusion
future-ready skills, equipping our employees with the
knowledge and competencies needed to excel in their roles and In the past year, the Bank has made significant strides in
adapt to an ever-evolving business landscape. Furthermore, we promoting social, economic, and environmental inclusion. We
continued exporting our skilled staff to other markets, firmly believe that fostering an inclusive society is essential for
highlighting their expertise, and contributing to the global sustainable development and the well-being of our communities.
exchange of knowledge and best practices. This is premised on our ESG and Sustainability framework which
„ An integral part of our purpose is rooted in the active role we underscores our growth on a sustainable path model.
play in the well-being and development of the community. Our
participation in local initiatives that address common societal Our dedication to social inclusion is evident in our efforts to
challenges has allowed us to build strong, lasting relationships create an environment where everyone feels valued and
while making a positive impact. From supporting education and respected. We have started programmes that promote diversity,
healthcare initiatives to promoting affordable housing, our equity, and inclusion within our workforce and the communities
efforts have contributed to building more resilient and inclusive we serve. Through targeted outreach initiatives, we have
communities.
supported underrepresented groups, ensuring they have access
to opportunities and resources that empower them to thrive. The
To validate our efforts as a leading financial services partner, we progress made so far serves as a foundation and establishes a
received several accolades among them, Best Corporate Bank new benchmark for us to aspire towards.
Botswana 2024 by Global Banking and Finance and Best Bank for
Sustainable Development Botswana 2024 by Global Banking and We believe that promoting equitable access to economic
Finance - that highlight our commitment to excellence, opportunities is both a moral imperative and a catalyst for
innovation, and customer satisfaction. These recognitions not sustainable growth and prosperity for all. Our efforts have been
only honour our achievements but also motivate us to continue concentrated on creating pathways for economic participation for
providing top-notch financial services and fostering strong, underserved communities. By forming strategic partnerships with
trust-based relationships with our clients.
local organizations, we have introduced programmes designed to
provide entrepreneurship support and access to financial
Building Strong Relationships with services. These initiatives have empowered individuals, as well as
small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to grow their businesses
Clients: Our Commitment to Excellence and achieve financial independence. Moving forward, we will
explore ways to expand and scale these interventions through our
Our dedicated team of professionals has worked tirelessly to strategy and product offerings.
ensure that every interaction with our clients is characterised by
responsiveness, transparency, and integrity. As part of our Environmental sustainability is a critical component of our
ongoing digital journey, we have invested significantly in advanced inclusion strategy. Our projects have focused on reducing our
technologies and innovative tools to enhance service delivery, carbon footprint, supporting renewable energy, encouraging
streamline communication, and provide real-time support. These sustainable practices, and promoting conservation efforts. We are
digital advancements have not only strengthened our operational dedicated to preserving our natural resources and ensuring that
efficiency but also redefined how we connect with and empower future generations can enjoy a healthy and thriving environment.
our clients in an increasingly connected world. Recognising the need to address climate change mitigation and
adaptation as key focus areas, we are committed to tackling
Our devotion to building strong relationships extends beyond energy exclusion—a significant challenge and opportunity for our
business transactions; it is founded on a genuine desire to see country. To this end, we are supporting government strategic
our clients thrive. We believe that their success is our success, projects that aim to provide electricity to off-grid areas through
and we are steadfast in our resolve to be their trusted partner at solar energy solutions.
every step.