- Tsaone Segaetsho
Minister of Agriculture, Edwin Dikoloti has signalled a new strategic chapter for the National Development Bank (NDB), positioning the institution to expand its footprint within the financial sector and evolve into a leading regional hybrid bank — blending the developmental mandate of a Development Finance Institution (DFI) with the operational rigour of a commercial bank.
Speaking at the recent launch of NDB’s 2025–2030 strategy, themed “Motlhala Wa Pula, Modi wa Isago”, Dikoloti described the plan as a bold recalibration of Botswana’s development finance architecture.
“This strategy marks a deliberate shift in how Botswana finances its future and builds industries that empower its people,” he said.
The five-year blueprint positions NDB as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, with a sharpened focus on agriculture value chains, green finance, infrastructure and other high-impact sectors aligned to Botswana’s economic diversification agenda.
According to Dikoloti, sustainable growth demands more than incremental reform.
“The strategy recognises that meaningful transformation requires courage, innovation and a willingness to rethink traditional models,” he noted.
A central pillar of the strategy is NDB’s transition into a green hybrid institution, operating as a development finance institution with commercial banking capabilities.
“A modern development finance institution must do more than provide funding. It must catalyse transformation. It must bridge gaps where markets hesitate, unlock opportunities where risk is perceived to be high, and ensure that strategic sectors are not left behind. At the same time, commercial discipline ensures sustainability, efficiency and long-term impact,” Dikoloti said.
NDB Chief Executive Officer, Ogone Madisa, echoed the sentiment, underscoring that the strategy reflects the bank’s commitment to empowering enterprises, transforming communities and delivering measurable economic impact.
“We are building a stronger, more agile and customer-focused institution that supports Botswana’s economic transformation,” Madisa said.
Over the next five years, NDB will prioritise the transformation of its business model into a sustainable green hybrid DFI-commercial bank, accelerate digitalisation to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience, and strengthen governance, talent and institutional culture to drive performance excellence.
The bank also indicated that it will mobilise strategic partnerships and diversify funding sources to scale its developmental impact and reinforce its long-term sustainability within the regional financial landscape.
