Bayport CEO confident of the future

BAKANG TIRO

editors@thepatriot.co.bw

Chief Executive Office of Bayport Financial Services Thuto Madibela says the company is geared towards immense growth powered by its digital transformation.

In an exclusive interview with Patriot Business earlier last week, the optimistic Madibela said the strategy that has been implemented in first quarter of last year is doing very well.

“Our new strategy is focused on digital transformation as we eye to unlock growth. The whole idea is to make access to cash easier hence quick to cash. These include availability of WhatsApp Chat Board, Call Centre etc. Our strategy is also mixed in within promotion of jobs creation particularly targeting youth (interns). We are doing a lot as Bayport,” he added.

According to him, 80 per cent of the employees are youth.

“We are in the business of changing lives of customers, staff and our stakeholders. The core focus area of the business strategy is to unlock and generate more revenue,” he added, indicating that for now they don’t have plans to expand abroad.

Madibela emphasised that their expansion will be centred on digitalising their services.

According to him, the company has 15 branches and over 300 agents across the country

“We want to create convenience for our customers through digital connectivity. Our strategy is centred around technology. We are also going to retool our staff, especially the agents so that they also fit well in the digital shift. No one will lose his/her job,” he said.

Moreover, Madibela said as part of their digital footprint expansion, they will focus on the fintech space to achieve their overall aim of being the number one consumer financing entity.

FINANCIAL INCLUSION

Meanwhile, he said Bayport is committed towards driving financial inclusion among citizens. He noted that they introduced Bayport Academy that will offer money solutions to clients.        According to him, the Bayport Academy will be a digitalised and offer informative modules.

Some of the topics that they cover at the academy include how to budget, how to be a super saver, dealing with financial stress, understanding credit, how to borrow for the right reasons, and how to set financial goals etc.

“We continue to promote financial wellness and we do not lend money to irresponsible people because we want to see financially stable citizens. Money is a tempting commodity and it is our responsibility as business to ensure responsible lending,” declared Madibela.

He explained that while Bayport’s business strategy is to drive products diversification and technological innovation, people remain at the centre of the business and that is why the company is keen on ensuring that the money that it lends out is put to a good investment by clients.

COVID-19 DISRUPTIONS

Furthermore, Madibela said the arrival of Covid-19 pandemic challenged the business.

He noted though it came with economic shocks, the pandemic on the other hand helped the company to expedite in an effective manner its digital strategy to respond to the shocks.

As a result, Madibela further said their financial performance grew immensely with the company’s Profit after Tax seating at triple digit.

Commenting on the skyrocketing inflation, he said it is another serious challenge to business.

“When we sell our products, we look at the consumption trends and as such we found a need to establish Bayport Academy to offer financial management tips to our clients as it is important to spend money wisely. Inflation is hitting hard. And we want to protect our clients from its consequences. We aim to promote responsible lending,” he added.

In addition, he said another challenge posed by inflation towards business is the cost of funding. He emphasised that the business should continue to get funding which could be difficult, owing to the pressure presented by inflation to their potential financiers.