Gaborone – Stanbic Bank Botswana is calling on local Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) to participate in the Standard Bank Africa Business Awards 2026, a Pan-African platform designed to recognise and celebrate enterprises driving innovation, creating employment and shaping communities across the continent.
MSMEs play an important role in Botswana’s economic growth. Across sectors, entrepreneurs are building businesses, creating jobs, strengthening local value chains and developing solutions which respond to the needs of their communities. The Awards seek to bring greater visibility to these businesses and elevate their stories onto a continental platform.
More than a recognition platform, the Standard Bank Africa Business Awards have been designed to strengthen the visibility and credibility of African enterprises while creating meaningful connections between entrepreneurs, investors, partners and markets across borders.
The initiative will culminate in a landmark Pan-African Awards event in Johannesburg in 2026, where outstanding businesses from across Standard Bank’s African footprint will be recognised for their innovation, resilience and measurable impact.
Speaking on the launch, Basimane Tshepe, Acting Head of Business & Commercial Banking at Stanbic Bank Botswana, said the Awards provide an opportunity to recognise the people and businesses contributing to Botswana’s growth while giving them access to a broader African platform.
“Every day, we engage with entrepreneurs who are building businesses with ambition and resilience. They are creating employment, strengthening supply chains and contributing meaningfully to their communities. Through the Africa Business Awards, we want to celebrate their achievements, amplify their stories and give Botswana’s entrepreneurs an opportunity to stand alongside some of Africa’s most impactful businesses.”
Stanbic Bank Botswana is encouraging high-impact MSMEs across the country to participate, including existing Stanbic Bank clients as well as new-to-bank businesses. Eligible enterprises span a range of sectors, including agriculture, construction, FMCG and retail, manufacturing, creative industries, technology and innovation, and the green economy and sustainability. Women-owned and youth-led enterprises are strongly encouraged to participate.
Beyond recognition, the Awards will create opportunities for businesses across African markets to connect, learn from one another and explore new pathways for growth. For Stanbic Bank Botswana, the initiative forms part of its continued focus on supporting enterprise development and strengthening relationships with businesses throughout their growth journeys.
“Botswana has entrepreneurs with ideas, expertise and businesses worthy of continental recognition. Our role is to help create platforms where they are seen, heard and connected to opportunities for growth. Botswana’s growth is driven by those bold enough to build it, and we want to ensure their stories form part of Africa’s broader enterprise story,” added Tshepe.
Entries for Botswana for the Standard Bank Africa Business Awards 2026 officially open on 18 September 2026 and close on 17 October 2026. Eligible MSMEs are encouraged to submit their entries during this period and take the opportunity to represent Botswana on the continental stage. All entries must be submitted through the official Standard Bank Africa Business Awards portal at:
https://standardbankafricabusinessawards.awardstage.com/#!/p1
Businesses are encouraged to submit their applications before the 17 October 2026 closing date. Further information on the Awards, eligibility requirements and application process will also be shared through Stanbic Bank Botswana’s platforms.
