FNB Botswana CEO Stephen Bogatsu and Africa’s Eden Tourism CEO Jillian Blackbeard Announce Strategic Collaboration (
4 May 2026 Gaborone –
First National Bank of Botswana (FNB Botswana) has entered into a strategic partnership with Africa’s Eden Tourism, a regional association spanning eight Southern African countries, to strengthen tourism businesses and expand access to financial solutions across the sector.
Under the agreement, FNB Botswana becomes the Strategic Banking Partner to Africa’s Eden Tourism, reinforcing its commitment to one of the region’s key economic drivers.
The collaboration will provide tourism operators with tailored financial tools, improved banking access, and closer industry engagement through workshops, events, and cross-border transaction support.
Dr Lone Nthobelang, Dealmaker Tourism at FNB Botswana, said the partnership reflects the Bank’s intent to help tourism enterprises grow and trade across borders.
“Tourism remains one of the most powerful engines for economic growth and regional integration across Southern Africa. Our partnership with Africa’s Eden Tourism allows us to engage more directly with tourism operators, providing financial solutions that enable businesses to build resilient enterprises,” she said.
Africa’s Eden Tourism, which represents Angola, Botswana, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, focuses on cross-border collaboration, sustainable practices, and market access for its members.
CEO Jillian Blackbeard welcomed the partnership, noting its emphasis on mentorship and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs).
“Access to the right financial tools and guidance is critical for businesses looking to grow and adapt in today’s environment. We are particularly excited about the mentorship opportunities this collaboration will unlock for startups and SMMEs,” she said.
The partnership builds on an existing banking relationship between the two organisations and will extend to joint marketing initiatives, webinars, and knowledge-sharing platforms.
Both parties say the goal is to foster resilience, financial literacy, and sustainable growth across the tourism industry.
