Countries are seeking new ways to address complex and interconnected challenges. Fulfilling the promise of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires multisectoral approaches that bring together expertise from a range of perspectives. By harnessing our comparative advantage and working within the context of our respective mandates, we can collectively make significant progress towards realising the vision of the SDGs.

The effective use of a wide range of quality, affordable & accessible financial services, provided in a fair and transparent manner through formal or regulated entities, by all people living in Botswana.

In February 2015, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MEFD) of Botswana, announced the Making Access to Financial Services Possible (MAP) for Botswana. The initiative was supported by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and Finmark Trust. It was focused on strengthening and focusing the dialogue on financial inclusion between the government, regulators, stakeholders and donors. This followed an approach adopted in a range of countries, including Eswatini, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lao PDR, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal and Thailand.

The 2015 MAP diagnostic report for Botswana considered the country context, demand and supply for financial services, and the regulation of these services. The report identified practical recommendations for overcoming barriers to greater financial inclusion. A roadmap and strategy were developed for the period 2016-2021. The financial inclusion working group chaired by the MFED and made up of representatives of policy makers, regulators, and associations was formed to monitor the programme.

In this updated MAP report (MAP refresh), we assess the progress of financial inclusion in Botswana since the last MAP study was under taken, consider key market changes and identify financial inclusion interventions that can grow the economy and benefit society.