Since our licensing in 2009 as a full service commercial banking operation in Botswana, BancABC Botswana has grown from humble beginnings to a large commercial bank in the 10 years of operation. This journey has seen us impact the lives of our customers as we helped them achieve their ambitions. We have always aimed to be a bank that optimally serves its customers, the communities we operate in, and an upstanding partner to all stakeholders.
In April, we announced that Access Bank Plc had reached a definitive agreement to acquire 78.15% shareholding in BancABC Botswana. We can finally share that, after all regulatory approvals have been granted and completion of customary conditions precedent on transactions of this nature, we are now part of Access Bank Group as the transaction has completed and Access Bank is our new parent. At this point, we have completed change of shareholding and will soon embark on the change of name and rebranding in the month of November. All requisite approvals are in place for us to begin the implementation of this final leg of the transition to being Access Bank Botswana. The acquisition marked the single largest transaction in the Botswana Stock Exchange’s history.
Access Bank is a strong financial institution with A1 and A+ Credit Ratings by Moody’s and Fitch respectively and is part of the World’s 500 most valuable banking brands. Access Bank is present in 3 continents as well as 12 countries in Africa. With over 42 million customers, 2,900 ATMs, 9.8million unique mobile and internet banking users (largest bank in Africa by customer numbers), 50,000 PoS terminals, 58,000 agents, and operations from 675 branches, we are excited to join and be a part of this African banking giant and looking forward to the evolution in our banking services.
As we transition fully into the new brand in the fourth quarter of 2021, we will be better equipped to provide clients with best-in-class digital platforms and products and wholesale banking capabilities all aimed at helping our business grow and succeed.
I’d also like to reassure our customers and partners that our new institution will provide them with increased access to finance, treasury and international payments, a wider distribution networkThroughout the rebranding, we will ensure minimal disruptions and our services will continue as usual. Together, under the new brand, we will do more.
As we transition from BancABC Botswana to Access Bank Botswana, we wish to thank all of our valued stakeholders, industry associates and customers for their continued support over the past 10 years. You have made us who we are today and we look forward to building on our relationship with you as we continue the journey as Access Bank Botswana.
Access Bank. More Than Banking.
Kgotso Bannalotlhe
MANAGING DIRECTOR
BancABC Botswana [soon to be Access Bank Botswana]