17/07/2026
DPSM, FNB Partner to Promote Financial Literacy Among Public Officers
Gaborone – The Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with First National Bank Botswana (FNBB) to equip Public Service employees with financial literacy skills.
The programme is being rolled out in phases, with the pilot stage beginning with DPSM staff.
Speaking during the induction, facilitator Ms Kefilwe Mosenye defined financial literacy as the ability to make informed and effective financial decisions.
She said understanding how to manage personal finances is essential for achieving financial stability and long-term financial security.
Ms Mosenye guided participants through the five pillars of financial literacy: earning, spending, saving, borrowing and protecting assets. She encouraged employees to set both short-term and long-term financial goals and to document them as part of a realistic budget.
"Writing down your financial goals helps you stay focused and motivated to achieve them while ensuring that you prioritise your spending according to your financial capacity," she said.
She further urged employees to cultivate financial discipline by avoiding unnecessary expenditure, limiting financial obligations that may strain their budgets, and setting aside money for emergencies.
She emphasised that individuals should only incur debt that creates long-term value, such as financing a home, purchasing land, or investing in education and skills development.
Ms Mosenye also cautioned against borrowing to fund lifestyle expenses and other non-essential purchases, noting that poor financial decisions can lead to long-term financial hardship. She warned that excessive debt has been associated with social challenges, including stress, depression, domestic conflict, divorce and, in severe cases, su***de.
The financial literacy induction forms part of DPSM's broader efforts to empower public servants with practical life skills that enhance financial well-being and workplace productivity. Beneficiaries of the programme included newly appointed employees as well as staff absorbed through the Government's insourcing programme.
Participants expressed appreciation for the initiative, saying the knowledge gained would help them make informed financial decisions, manage their finances responsibly and work towards achieving financial independence.
