Barclays shared growth to drive domestic economy

Youth businesses have a potential to contribute significantly to the expansion of the domestic economy, Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development Minister Thapelo Olopeng said at the launch of the Barclays Shared Growth Strategy.

It is through collective responsibility and commitment that the economy can reach the potential of being classified as high income. He said the shared growth strategy was a testament that the private sector has a role to play in the growth of the economy.“The strategy focuses on education and skills enterprise development and financial inclusion, the features of this strategy have far reaching impact on youth empowerment and development” said Olopeng.

Managing Director at Barclays Bank of Botswana Reinnete Van De Merwe said that the strategy is geared towards continuation to help locals secure an inclusive and economically sustainable future. The Barclays Botswana boss pointed out that their role is to help create wealth for their customers and shareholders and that when communities prosper, they also prosper hence the name Shared growth. She said the growth strategy aims to build a more tangible legacy in Botswana.

One of the initiatives of the strategy is the Ready to work online platform, through which the youth can learn financial, entrepreneurial and work skills. She encouraged the youth to take advantage of the online service because it will aid them in future whether in the corporate or entrepreneurial space.