New OWS-Stanbic MoU Unlocks Finance Access for Citizen-Owned Tourism Enterprises

New OWS-Stanbic MoU Unlocks Finance Access for Citizen-Owned Tourism Enterprises. A groundbreaking partnership between Okavango Wilderness Safaris (OWS) and Stanbic Bank Botswana was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), setting the stage for a more inclusive and sustainable tourism economy.

At the centre of this collaboration is an innovative financing model aimed at empowering citizen-owned tourism enterprises. Unlike traditional funding approaches that require upfront collateral or lengthy credit histories, this new model offers access to commercial finance for OWS-nominated local suppliers—solving a key barrier many small businesses face: securing a consistent client pipeline.

The agreement introduces a structured framework that not only improves access to funding but also incorporates procurement prioritisation, enterprise development, and skills transfer. Local suppliers under the OWS network will benefit from financial support tailored to their operational needs, enabling them to scale their services and meet industry standards more effectively.

For entrepreneurs and emerging businesses in Botswana’s tourism sector, the partnership represents a major step forward in levelling the playing field. By linking market access with financial inclusion, the MoU empowers local businesses to take part in high-value supply chains without the traditional obstacles of risk-averse lending.

This initiative aligns with Botswana’s broader vision of citizen economic empowerment and sustainable development in the tourism space. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to engage with the program and explore how it can support their growth journey.