By Seabelo Pilane, CEO of Orange Money

In the pursuit of national progress, financial inclusion is not just a goal; it is a necessity. For Botswana to realize its full economic potential, every citizen must have access to financial tools and services that enable participation in the modern economy.

At Orange Money, we view this challenge as an opportunity to empower individuals, transform communities, and drive sustainable development.

Botswana’s financial sector has evolved rapidly, yet significant barriers remain for many Batswana. Traditional banking systems often fail to reach informal workers, rural communities, and other underserved groups.

These are the people who fuel our economy, yet they are the most likely to be excluded from its benefits. At Orange Money, we have made it our mission to bridge this gap, championing financial inclusion as a cornerstone of economic empowerment.

Our new Financial Inclusion campaign is built around a powerful idea: “Dumelang,” a Setswana greeting that also inspires belief. This single word captures the heart of our mission: to welcome every Motswana into the financial ecosystem and instill confidence in their ability to achieve their dreams.

Through this campaign, we are reimagining what it means to be financially included, shifting the focus from transactions to transformation.

As the leading mobile money service provider in Botswana, Orange Money has earned the trust of millions by meeting people where they are. Whether enabling cross-border remittances, facilitating small business transactions, or providing a safe and simple way to save, our services have become an integral part of daily life for Batswana.

Crucially, many of our agents are women, reflecting our commitment to empowering those who play vital roles in their communities and families.

However, financial inclusion is not static; it evolves with the needs of the people we serve. Despite our successes, challenges such as dormant accounts, inconsistent service quality, and competition from traditional banks persist.

These are not just operational issues; they are barriers to progress. Addressing them requires more than innovation; it demands leadership.

At Orange Money, we are leading by example, placing the customer at the center of everything we do. This means creating an ecosystem that offers more than transactions, one that supports long-term financial empowerment.

From educating users about the benefits of mobile money to enhancing service delivery, we are transforming how Batswana interact with financial tools.

True financial inclusion goes beyond access. It’s about providing individuals with the means to take control of their financial futures.

It’s about ensuring that a mother running a small business can save for her children’s education, that a young entrepreneur can access the resources needed to start a venture, and that every individual, no matter their background, can participate in the digital economy with confidence.

The future of financial services is digital, and Orange Money is at the forefront of this transformation in Botswana. As we expand our reach and enhance our offerings, we remain focused on one simple truth: financial inclusion is not just about economic progress; it is about dignity. It is about ensuring that no one is left behind in the march toward prosperity.

Through this campaign, we are not just inviting Batswana to use Orange Money; we are inviting them to reimagine what is possible when financial barriers are removed. Together, we can build a more inclusive economy, one where every individual has the tools, support, and opportunity to thrive.

As CEO of Orange Money, I am proud of the role we play in shaping Botswana’s financial landscape. Yet, I know that the journey toward full financial inclusion is ongoing. It requires collaboration, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to serving the needs of our people.

The work continues, and so does the belief that a financially inclusive Botswana is within reach. With Orange Money, that belief is not just a hope; it is a promise.

About Orange

Orange is one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators with revenues of 40.3 billion euros in 2024 and 127,000 employees worldwide at 31 December 2024, including 71,000 employees in France. The Group has a total customer base of 291 million customers worldwide at 31 December 2024, including 253 million mobile customers and 22 million fixed broadband customers. These figures account for the deconsolidation of certain activities in Spain following the creation of MASORANGE. The Group is present in 26 countries (including non-consolidated countries).

Orange is also a leading provider of global IT and telecommunication services to multinational companies under the brand Orange Business. In February 2023, the Group presented its strategic plan “Lead the Future”, built on a new business model and guided by responsibility and efficiency. “Lead the Future” capitalizes on network excellence to reinforce Orange’s leadership in service quality.

Orange is listed on Euronext Paris (symbol ORA).

For more information on the internet and on your mobile: www.orange.com, www.orange-business.com, and the Orange News app, or to follow us on X: @orangegrouppr.

Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material are trademarks of Orange or Orange Brand Services Limited.