MAP Botswana
Drawing together the main findings of MAP Botswana’s 2015 diagnostic report, the summary synthesis note provides an overview of the country context and regulatory framework, which shapes the nature of the opportunities and constraints for financial inclusion in Botswana. With the enabling environment in mind, the note then examines the supply of financial services in Botswana, outlining the dynamics of the market for credit, payments, savings and insurance. Based on existing quantitative data as well as qualitative demand-side research and analysis conducted for the diagnostic report, the summary note then takes a closer look at the target markets for financial inclusion: their realities, needs and current usage profile. Finally, it concludes on the cross-cutting factors that drive financial inclusion in Botswana, outlining five key priorities for extending financial inclusion and, for each, suggesting potential actions to unlock the opportunities and overcome current barriers.
Five key priorities for extending financial inclusion in Botswana
Based on the needs of the various target markets, as well as the nature and challenges to provision evidenced through the analysis, we identified five priority strategies to capitalise on these opportunities, which are likely to have the most far-reaching impact on financial inclusion, given the nature of the target markets:
- Improve the payments eco-system.
- Facilitate low-cost, accessible savings products.
- Develop accessible risk mitigation products.
- Improve the working of the credit market.
- Develop pension provision.
MAP Botswana was requested by the government of Botswana as input towards the development of a financial inclusion strategy for Botswana. The project was funded by FinMark Trust, and the country diagnostic report was prepared by Econsult Botswana, with assistance from Cenfri.
