Barclays Bank of Botswana completes legal name change to Absa Bank Botswana Limited
· Company fully rebrands and adopts Absa name across Botswana
· Absa Bank Botswana limited is part of Absa Group Limited, a proudly African banking group with a presence across 12 countries and an international office in London and soon to open one in New York
· Barclays Life Botswana entity also adopts Absa brand
Absa Bank Botswana, a subsidiary of Absa Group Limited has today received the license to operate and trade under its new name from Bank of Botswana. Formerly known as Barclays Bank of Botswana, the name change marks the start of a new era for the bank’s operations, one that sees the realisation of an ambition to become an independent African bank.
“Today we begin a new chapter as Absa Bank Botswana, adopting our parent company’s name and brand while retaining our indelible commitment to Botswana and its people. Our new brand is a commitment to Botswana and to the wider continent: Absa is a truly African bank, with global scalability and reach,” said Keabetswe Pheko-Moshagane, Managing Director of Absa Bank Botswana.
Following receipt of all regulatory approvals, Barclays Life Botswana Limited has also changed to Absa Life Botswana Limited effective 10 February, 2020.
The company, which has been operating in Botswana for close to 70 years, reiterated its commitment to the country’s growth and economic development under the Absa brand.
“We have invested in crucial sectors of development of the national economy, including trade, agriculture, SMEs, infrastructure and investments. We will continue to play a critical role by investing in these sectors without neglecting the ordinary citizen who seeks quality financial services and safe investments for their hard-earned money,” said Keabetswe Pheko-Moshagane.
For customers, there will be no change to their account details and there will no fee changes associated with the name change. The bank’s branches will continue to operate as usual.
From 10 February 2020, all new cards and chequebooks will be issued under the Absa brand. Barclays’ cards will continue to work as normal until their date of expiry. Customers can continue to use their Barclays’ chequebooks until further notice.
Customers are urged to be particularly vigilant during this time, as fraudsters are always looking for opportunities to obtain important personal information.
Keabetswe Pheko-Moshagane reaffirmed that the bank would remain a significant player in the banking and financial services sector in Botswana and a contributor to Botswana’s economy.
“As Absa, our ambition is to become a digitally-led bank that is centred around the ever-changing needs of customers. We believe we have a role to play and intend to leverage digital technology to expand reach and access of financial services but also provide affordable services,” Keabetswe Pheko-Moshagane said.