THE TIME IS NOW TO KEEP YOUR BUSINESS ON TRACK

Modeling adverse possibilities to ensure appropriate management actions in the wake of COVID -19 The e COVID-19 pandemic has caused an assortment of disruptions futures in the communities in which we operate. “We are a Certain Friend, In Uncertain Times” stakeholder implications, accessibility, and any required expertise. The following are some of our actions in placing a demand on leaders to We are a member of the Old Mutual response to the pandemic. exercise lateral thinking in an Limited Group which is a 175-year-old Activation of the crisis management effort to come up with proactive Pan African financial solutions provider committee and implementation of our measures to mitigate its impact that serves millions of customers, operates planned actions. I am pleased that and effects. Kushatha Moswela in 13 countries across the African in the short period of time we have is the Managing Director of Old continent alone and employs over 30,000 managed to do all that is strategically Mutual Short-Term Insurance in people across the world. necessary to remain operational. Botswana. Strides engaged this Strides: What has been the impact of the Implementation of precautionary versatile thought leader to garner COVID to your industry and how did you measures to minimize the instances of insights on the international respond to it? our exposure for our staff, customers insurer’s approach to the Moswela: COVID-19 is an and stakeholders. This included masks, pandemic. unprecedented, unfamiliar event in our sanitizers, travel restrictions, increased

Strides: Kindly, tell us lifetime and has certainly had an impact cleaning rotations, contact tracing and about Old Mutual Short-Term across all industries. During times like sharing of Covid-19 related tips and Insurance? this, our promise to deliver exceptional advice. We continue to share Covid-19

Moswela: Old Mutual Short- value while simultaneously doing our information with the public via our Term Insurance is a subsidiary of part to protect our customers, employees social media platforms. Old Mutual Financial Services and stakeholders is re-enforced by well- We enabled businesses to continue Botswana. Over the past 25 years, established crisis management protocols operating through various digital we have offered a wide array of and procedures. We are, after all specialists platforms. Our staff is enabled to work affordable short-term insurance in understanding and managing risk. As an remotely and service customers via solutions for individuals, organization, we are well capitalized and digital channels including our recently businesses and large corporates. have a diversified portfolio that allows to launched WhatsApp line. Our tailor-made solutions continue to deliver on our promise to our To support our customers deliver comprehensive covers for customers even during uncertain times. and various stakeholders who are vehicles, House & household Since its establishment in 1845, Old experiencing financial challenges we are contents, businesses, engineering, Mutual has remained resilient through engaging customers case by case basis construction and mining. We civil and world wars as well as the Spanish to offer solutions during this period. operate on the principle that Flu pandemic, the Great Depression, These solutions depend on the need insurance is not just about and many political crises and economic and range from premium discounts delivering cover but also about turbulences across the world. to the payment deferrals up to 3 delivering winning customer As a consequence of our prior months for select covers. Conversely, value propositions that enable experiences, we have a robust business other customers like those in the consumers to secure their futures continuity strategy that models and tourism industry seemingly don’t need and become their exceptional best. plans for these adverse events. Our plans insurance cover because the cessation As a responsible business we are factor in resource availability, financial of patronization by international committed to enabling positive considerations, technology, customer/ tourists has temporarily reduced

Kushatha Moswela, Managing Director Old Mutual-Short Term Insurance

The President of the Botswana Nurses Council Obonolo Rahube, Hon. Dr. Lemogang Kwape and Old Mutual Group CEO Gerald Randall

their liability covers.

Over and above, we are using social media campaigns to educate our customers on the optimum ways to manage their assets and possessions from damage, theft, loss etc.

Supporting the communities, we operate in. This is pivotal to us. We have reserved funds for assisting the disadvantaged and the vulnerable in orphanages and providing the frontline professionals with PPE. So far, we contributed PPE to the Botswana Nurses Union (BONU). The Minister of Health and the President of BONU graced the handover ceremony.

During this period, we continued to support our Orphanage Lamodimo with food, toiletries and PPEs.

Ensuring business stability and financial soundness. To ensure our business continuity now and in the future, we rebased our business projections. We have reserved extra funds to cater of claims and the reduction in business. This will help us continue honoring our operating expenses including staff salaries.

Old Mutual is financially sound and has adequate capital to cushion it against any adverse claims experience. The COVID19 impacts on reduced premium covers and cancellations have been felt in the business.

Strides: As a leader in your industry, what are your recommendations to business leaders and individuals as regards insurance?

Moswela: I advise all leaders to keep both their employees and stakeholders abreast of key business developments, and engage and receive feedback from them. As Old Mutual we have outsourced the services of a professional wellbeing and psychology firm to assist employees with any of their concerns in a private and confidential setting.

Strides: What is your Message to your current and prospective clients as we advance with the new normal?

Moswela: Old Mutual has always taken a long-term view and always understood that change, challenge and opportunity are the only constants. Since 1845, Old Mutual has provided unwavering support for individuals, businesses and communities in which serve. We continue to be strong and will ensure we put our customers at the center of what we do.

Remaining true to our promise of being “A Certain Friend, In Uncertain times “has been the secret of our brand’s longevity and enduring relevance for 175 years.

Whether you run a one-man enterprise or a medium to large operation, we know that getting back to business quickly after a disaster is your biggest priority. Making sure you have the right short-term insurance cover is essential and our flagship insurance cover of MULTISURE can help protect your business against fire, theft, business interruption, legal liability and many other risks. Choose Old Mutual; Because the great things you’ll do tomorrow start with the small steps you take today.

To find out more, contact your broker or call us on 399 5700 or visit www.oldmutual.co.bw

Letshego and Botswana Innovation Hub collaborate to inspire local technological business solutions

Letshego Group CEO, Andrew Okai

Letshego Holdings Limited (Letshego Group) in collaboration with the Botswana Innovation Hub recently hosted a successful Pitch Session involving eight technological business innovators. The session offered the innovators a chance to showcase their works and enabled Letshego to single out the outstanding three innovative solutions for support, mentoring and opportunities to transform the entrepreneur’s future growth potential into a reality.

Prior to the commencement of the Pitch Session, Letshego’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Okai said the Group remains committed to developing a relentless innovation culture on its journey to create a world-class retail financial services organization.

“We aim to achieve this by leveraging digital innovation, strategic partnerships and eco-system thinking to enhance customer experience and increase access to simple and appropriate financial solutions for emerging market consumers across the Group’s 11-country footprint. Our partnership with Botswana Innovation Hub is a valuable way Letshego can support local technology innovation by providing financial support, business expertise and potential introductions within our existing network. Our ambition is to use our strengths and expertise to enable entrepreneurs to expand their growth and income potential. Letshego strongly believes that through effective partnerships, we can grow our collective potential, exponentially,” said Okai.

Okai noted that entrepreneurship and innovation are the most important elements of today’s emerging economies globally.

“Our purpose is to bridge the gap for entrepreneurs between securing sustainable financial solutions that unlock growth and income potential,

Botswana Innovation Hub Chief Executive Officer and host, Alan Boshwaen

without hindering future growth, said Okai, adding, “Digitisation is also another key enabler – not only in today’s pandemic conditions - but also in creating successful future organizations. Letshego has just announced our transformational strategy that is underpinned by digital innovation. Innovation that aims to deliver greater value and benefits well into the future – for our people, our customers and our strategic partners.” Botswana Innovation Hub Chief Executive Officer and host, Alan Boshwaen said the Pitch Session was unique as it showcased public and private sector collaboration in action.

“It is also unique because it does not only incentivize the winning start-ups, but it introduces them to an opportunity to access structured products at Letshego and market access in the Letshego Group of Companies throughout Africa. We all acknowledge that innovation is a critical catalyst in driving Botswana’s Transformation Agenda, hence, supporting innovations requires collaboration between diverse stakeholders. We are glad to have partnered with Letshego Group as a

The Pitch Session Winners - Letshibigo Ramadi (Digital Diamond), Titosi Chembezi (Kwiky) and Mthabisi Bokete (Digital Diamond)

The Pitch Session winners with Letshego Group CEO Andrew Okai (centre) Letshego Botswana CEO Fergus Ferguson (First left) and Botswana Innovation Hub CEO Alan Boshwaen (far right)

The winning solutions will work with partners to manage subsequent development of the proof of concepts.

player in building national innovation ecosystem. Our innovators stand to benefit from the opportunities availed by this partnership including mentorship, capacity building and commercialization. The prize incentive is a cherry on top,” said Boshwaen.

At the end of the Pitch Session, the panel of judges comprising of select executives from Letshego’s Botswana Office and its markets across Africa commended the entrepreneurs on their outstanding submissions and creative concepts. The top three nominations for Letshego / BIH Pitch Day innovation were awarded as follows:

Position 1: Kwiky represented by Titose Chembezi - Awarded P30, 000 Prize Money

Kwiky is a Business to Business to Consumer (B2B2C) solution that facilitates access to financial services for the underbanked by accessing mobile phone and mobile wallet transaction data from various data points including parastatals, research agencies and onboarding ‘Know Your Customer’ (KYC) documentation, integrating this concept into a comprehensive credit risk framework to support financial services.

Position 2: Digital Diamond represented by Mthabisi Bokete - Awarded P15, 000 Prize Money

Digital Diamond is a free online and offline instant identification application, again to support the financial services sector, to facilitate KYC and credit applications across geographical borders.

Position 3: PCG Software represented by Letsibogo Ramadi - Awarded P10, 000 Prize Money PCG Software is a digital solution firm specialising in tailor-made mobile development and web-based projects. PCG Software has developed ‘Mogwebi CyberPlaza’ - a virtual

Letshego Botswana CEO Fergus Ferguson with Titose Chembezi of Kwiky who scooped the first position

networking and trade platform that connects businesses to an unlimited online audience to support business continuity, especially as we manage through the Covid-19 pandemic.

The winning solutions will work with partners to manage subsequent development of the proof of concepts. This will include innovation sprints sessions and hackathons, leveraging Botswana Innovation Hub’s tried and tested innovation management framework to either support Letshego directly, or the economies and communities where Letshego operates across Africa.

The start-ups that pitched were selected from a pool of entrepreneurs within the Botswana Innovation Hub Incubation and Acceleration Programme. These entrepreneurs benefit from a number of Botswana Innovation Hubinterventions including: technical advice; coaching; mentorship; access to markets; access to partner programmes; office space; subsidized corporate tax; special dispensation of the import of skilled personnel and many other tailored interventions to small business concepts to grow and thrive.