BIHL GROUP FINANCIAL SUMMIT CREATES MEANINGFUL DIALOGUE

  • The BIHL Group hosts inaugural Financial Summit in Gaborone
  • Leading industry thinkers and leaders convene for meaningful dialogue
  • Explores “Navigating the challenges and opportunities in financial services in Emerging Markets”

 

GABORONE – The BIHL Group believes dialogue on key matters in the financial services sector helps the local industry grow. In this vein, the leading financial services Group hosted a successful inaugural Financial Summit at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC) on the 18th of October 2018. The Summit, which was held under the theme ‘Navigating the challenges and opportunities in financial services in Emerging Markets,’ and provided for engagements and dialogue amongst industry experts. 

Giving the opening remarks at the Summit, BIHL Group CEO Catherine Lesetedi said, “We found it fit to host the Financial Summit as our part in contributing to the development of the financial services sector. This allows us to provide a platform for the industry to gather together with Government and other stakeholders and chart a way forward on the all issues concerning our financial sector and the broader economy.”

Keynote speaker from Government was the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Honourable Kenneth Matambo, who applauded the BIHL Group for hosting the Summit and contributing to the ongoing National efforts towards economic diversification. He stated that Government was putting in place economic reforms to improve the country’s prospects. “I would like to congratulate the BIHL Group for hosting this immensely important Financial Summit. It is yet another example of the private sector coming to the party and leading conversations on how we can do better to grow this economy. Government cannot go it alone, and I have shared my views many times before that the private sector must step up, and must work with Government for a united purpose that allows us to achieve our objectives sooner and better”.

The Summit, which looks to be an annual event, was graced by key speakers from Botswana and the region including: Dr. Martyn Davies, Head of Emerging Markets, Deloitte SA; Bame Pule, Founder and CEO, Africa Lighthouse, Mamadou Mbaye, Vice President of FONSIS, Senegal  and Keith Vincent, CEO, Wilderness Holdings, who all spoke towards opportunities and challenges towards growth on the African continent. A panel discussion which included key individuals from the industry, Doug Munatsi, MD at DBF Capital Partners; Naledi Madala, Barclays BankEconomist; Khalil Modarrisi, Chief Investment Officer, Bifm; and Shingai Mutasa, Masawara Group Chairman, focused on the current topical issues, ‘Economic consequences of the China-Africa relationship.’ The panel was moderated by former BIHL Group CEO, and current Executive at Sanlam Emerging Markets, focused on the Southern Africa Region, Mr. Gaffar Hassam.

The Summit, wholly a success and well attended by key thinkers, leaders, visionaries and influencers both local and international, provided opportunity to robustly engage on how Botswana fits into the whole Emerging Markets narrative. Using a digitally led programme and bespoke Mobile App, delegates engaged further with insightful questions posed towards the panel, also enables sound post-Summit networking and conversation.

Concluded Lesetedi, “It is important that we left having exchanged ideas on how to better position our economy for development and cushion it from the shocks that come with global trade. This was a platform for learning, dialogue, asking the tough questions, and together postulating solutions. We look forward to continuing this dialogue with our stakeholders and partners and meaningfully engaging well into the future.”