04 June 2026 | For Immediate Release
Bank Gaborone announced today that Olebile Makhupe will step down from her role as Managing Director of the Bank to pursue other strategic interests and priorities. Her resignation was acknowledged at the Board meeting held on 28 May 2026, and she will leave the Bank on 31 August 2026. Over the coming months, she will focus on the orderly handover of her responsibilities to support a smooth transition.
"Since joining Bank Gaborone in February 2023, Makhupe has been a valued member of the Bank's Executive Management Committee and has provided steady leadership during an important period for both Bank Gaborone and the broader Botswana operating environment. On behalf of the Board of Bank Gaborone, I would like to thank her for her contribution, professionalism and commitment, and wishes her well in her future endeavours", said Christo de Vries, Chairperson of the Board.
To ensure continuity and stability, the Bank announced that an interim Acting MD for Bank Gaborone will be announced soon. The Bank has commenced a formal recruitment process for a permanent appointment.
Under the theme “Navigating Botswana’s Economic Shifts: Building Resilience Together,” the Insights & Impact Roundtable brought together influential voices , industry leaders, policymakers, and financial experts ,for a powerful exchange of ideas on Botswana’s evolving economic landscape.
The dialogue explored the intersection of economic resilience, SME growth, and financial sector innovation, emphasizing collaboration as the cornerstone of progress.
Through this engagement, Bank Gaborone reaffirmed its role as a connector of positive change, committed to driving sustainable growth, inclusive development, and meaningful impact for Botswana’s future.
Bank Gaborone’s CSR Committee HopeStars and Sparkfolio Service Stars proudly attended the Camphill Community Trust Fundraising Gala Dinner, on Friday, 24 October 2025 at the Grand Palm.
The elegant evening marked 51 years of Camphill’s incredible work supporting learners with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Funds raised from the event will go toward building new, safe, and dignified classrooms that foster inclusion and learning.
Graced by Hon. Vice President Mr. Nkosinathi Ndaba Gaolathe and featuring performances by local artists. The gala brought together government, business, and community leaders in a shared mission to uplift lives.
Bank Gaborone was honoured to support the Police Commissioners Run as a Silver Sponsor. The event, graced by His Excellency the President, celebrated unity, fitness, and community safety. We are proud to stand behind initiatives that promote wellness and service to the nation.
Our Chief Financial Officer took center stage in one of the panel discussions at the Global Expo, moderating a high-impact panel on “Unlocking Finance for Botswana’s Transformation through Sustainable Financing.”
The discussion explored key themes including, access to finance for businesses, Investor protections, Capital markets development and the role of FinTech in expanding access to capital.
We’re proud to have been part of this year’s Global Expo, a platform that continues to provide local companies with global visibility, networking opportunities, and a stage to showcase innovation. From engaging with industry leaders to interactive activities, it has been an incredible opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer excellence.
Our Head of Wholesale Banking, Nchidzi Chakalisa presented a prize to the student recognised for the Best Innovative Project, at the BIUST Graduation. Bank Gaborone remains committed to encouraging young innovators to dream big and shape brighter futures.
Together with FIA, Bank Gaborone proudly takes a stand to protect and empower the youth, helping build a safer and brighter future for all.
Our Managing Director, Olebile Makhupe, joined other leaders at the Insights 2025 Conference held at Phakalane Golf Estate from 9 to 10 September 2025, under the theme "The Digitalisation Imperative."
The event was graced by Hon. Minister of Communications & Innovation, Mr. David Tsere, Business Botswana President, Mr Neo Nwako and other distinguished stakeholders from government, private sector, and academia. It was aimed at fostering purposeful dialogue that seeks to unearth real barriers and forge the collaborations necessary to fuel Botswana's socio-economic transformation.
Olebile Makhupe spoke on "Beyond Transactions: The Human Impact of Digital Finance in Fostering Inclusive Growth," emphasising how digital finance can empower citizens, fuel SMEs, and drive Botswana's socio-economic transformation.
At Bank Gaborone, we remain committed to being connectors of positive change; building digital solutions that go beyond transactions and unlock transformation.
Bank Gaborone was proud to participate as a Bronze Sponsor of Morupule Coal Mine’s Annual Charity Cycle Challenge 2025. Our team showed up in full spirit, and we were delighted to connect with the community at our stall.
Thank you Palapye for the energy and support, it was a day well spent for charity and togetherness!
On the evening of Wednesday, 5 September 2025, Bank Gaborone hosted its Annual Performance Awards, a vibrant celebration of excellence, resilience, and the people who keep the Bank thriving.
The event brought together staff from across the country to celebrate achievements, recognise outstanding performance, and highlight the sparks of dedication that define the Bank's culture. It was a night filled with laughter, cheer, and applause as awardees were honoured for their exceptional contributions.
Speaking at the ceremony, Managing Director Olebile Makhupe emphasised the importance of recognising people as the heartbeat of the Bank's success. “These awards are not just about performance metrics—they are about celebrating the spirit, the resilience, and the shared commitment that makes Bank Gaborone what it is.”
From sales excellence to service leadership, the awards reflected the Bank’s values of customer focus, innovation, and teamwork. The evening was a powerful reminder that while technology and strategy drive growth, it is people who make transformation possible.
Congratulations to all the awardees! Their achievements are a testament to Bank Gaborone’s mission of not only managing the future—but actively shaping it.
Bank Gaborone has taken a bold step in shaping the future of banking with the launch of its inaugural Newsroom session, held on Wednesday, 3 September 2025 at Royal Aria.
The session, led by Managing Director Olebile Makhupe, brought together the Bank's leadership team to reflect on its purpose and renew their commitment to building a Future Fluent culture.
Future Fluent is more than just a theme—it represents Bank Gaborone's vision to be agile in anticipating change, courageous in embracing innovation, and consistent in putting people at the center of every decision. The Newsroom provided a platform for open dialogue, strategic alignment, and a renewed focus on resilience as the Bank moves towards its aspiration of becoming a Tier One bank.
“Future Fluency is about preparing for tomorrow, today. It is about ensuring we are not just participants in the financial landscape, but pace-setters in driving transformation,” said Makhupe.
Ghanzi, Botswana - Bank Gaborone has reinforced its long-standing commitment to Botswana's agricultural sector with the official handover of a permanent multi-purpose structure at the Ghanzi Showgrounds, an investment exceeding P600,000. The infrastructure was handed over to the President of the Republic of Botswana, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko and the Ghanzi community during the official opening ceremony of the 2025 Ghanzi Agricultural Show.
The structure represents Bank Gaborone's firm dedication to agriculture as a transformative force with the potential to drive sustainable livelihoods, promote economic diversification, and enhance food security. The multi-purpose facility will serve as a year-round hub for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), farmers, and youth entrepreneurs to showcase products, conduct business, and build community presence.
"This significant investment underscores our commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs and advancing the agricultural sector, which remains a vital pillar of the nation's economy. The facility is designed to foster innovation, business growth, and sustainable livelihoods, aligning with Botswana's vision for inclusive economic transformation," said Khalala Mokefane, Head of Wholesale Banking at Bank Gaborone.He further indicated that it is a space for farmers, youth, and small business owners to connect, trade and grow. It stands as a reminder that our support doesn't end with a transaction or an event, it continues, season after season, as we journey together toward a better, more inclusive future.
Since the opening of its Ghanzi branch in 2010, Bank Gaborone has cultivated a strong presence in the district, offering tailored livestock financing and playing a catalytic role in agribusiness transformation. The Bank holds over 67% of the formal market share in agriculture lending in Botswana, with a loan book more than P704 million as of March 2025.
In addition to the infrastructure sponsorship, the Bank continues its 14-year tradition of supporting the Ghanzi Show's Livestock Section, sponsoring trophies and prizes to recognise excellence in animal husbandry. The Bank also used the platform to educate farmers on its specialised agri-financing and risk management solutions - including Livestock Insurance, Crop Insurance, and Agri-Personal Cover which was launched in 2024.
From micro-farmers to large-scale commercial clients, Bank Gaborone's approach spans the entire value chain, from "seed to shelf" and from "farm to fork", financing production, processing, logistics, and digital solutions. With services such as Easy2Pay, a cost-effective and convenient payment receiving platform empowering informal traders and SMEs to transact securely and professionally, thereby improving cash flow visibility and enabling access to future credit.
"This year's theme; Sowing Seeds of Innovation for Agricultural Transformation, aligns perfectly with our mission to connect communities to positive change," said Mokefane. "We see farming not as a fallback, but as a future. Not as a risk, but as a reward."
The Ghanzi Agricultural Show remains one of the most important platforms for farmers, policy makers, and business leaders across Southern Africa to collaborate, innovate, and shape the future of agriculture.
As part of its broader strategy, Bank Gaborone will continue to invest in climate-resilient farming, green energy financing, and youth-focused agri-entrepreneurship to support Botswana's national goals of food security, employment creation, and economic transformation.
Bank Gaborone invites all attendees to visit its 12 branches around the country to learn more about its range of agribusiness solutions, connect with experts, and experience the Bank's ongoing commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive future for Botswana's agricultural communities.
Bank Gaborone was the proud sponsor of the Letsomo Brahman Stud 6th Production Sale, which took place on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Stockmans, Tlokweng, starting at 11:00 AM.
The auction is a key event on Botswana's agricultural calendar, featuring high-quality Brahman bulls, heifers, and cows, and attracts farmers and industry stakeholders from across the country. This sponsorship aligns with our continued support for local agribusiness development and our commitment to empowering key sectors of the economy.
The auction also streamed online, allowing for virtual participation through Stockmans Choice's platform.
Let us all take pride in this contribution, which strengthens our presence in the agricultural sector and underscores our role in enabling economic growth across various industries.
In recognition of the outstanding dedication and excellence displayed by our Service Stars, Bank Gaborone rolled out the red carpet for them at the first-ever "Dining with Diamonds" Black Tie Dinner Theater!
The evening was nothing short of magical - a powerful and heartwarming showcase of love, friendship, and laughter, told through an unforgettable performance by Botswana's finest creative talents. This exclusive event not only honoured our top performers, but also championed the local creative industry, reinforcing our commitment to uplifting homegrown brilliance.
To our Service Stars - thank you for going above and beyond. You truly shine like diamonds!
