Panafrican News Agency

Botswana Stock Exchange aims at broadening public financial literacy

Gaborone, Botswana (PANA) - The Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) is aiming at extending countrywide financial literacy initiatives to help stakeholders in making sound decisions.

Speaking at the Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) Opening Bell Ceremony in Gaborone on Monday, BSE Chief Executive Officer Thapelo Tsheole said the bourse is also increasing the impact of stock exchange on students.

“Financial literacy is very important to all regardless of their age, we are into countrywide financial educational initiatives. The society must be knowledgeable in finance,” said Tsheole.

He said BSE is also in a crusade to increase company listing as there are not enough companies listed on the BSE which has entered partnership with the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange.  

Botswana International University of Science & Technology (BIUST) Director for Center for Business Management and Entrepreneurship, Prof. Patricia Makepe said financial literacy was fundamental for personal growth and the growth of the country’s economy.

“Financial literacy is important for personal growth which involves business growth and people can make financial sound decisions. There are a lot of scammers out there and everyone needs to know what they are doing,” said Makepe.

She said not enough work has been done towards the education of the nation on financial literacy.

In her view, financial education must be compulsory in the country’s education system and it should start at primary school level.

“If we need a financial literate society, financial education must start at the lower education cycle,” said Makepe.

-0- PANA MS/AR 7Oct2019