The newly appointed and founding Head of Rand Merchant Bank Botswana (RMB), a division of First National Bank (FNB) Pauline Motswagae has hit the ground running in Botswana by taking care of the Bank’s corporate and investment banking activities.
In an interview, she outlined her immediate roles which include taking care of the bank’s corporate banking services such as working capital finance, custodial services and trade finance, investment banking services on long-term finance of corporate and government enterprises, infrastructure finance, corporate finance advisory services and private equity.
The new RMB is also responsible for global markets services such as currency; commodity and interest rate related hedging and investment products.
“My priority is to ensure that client understand the mandate of RMB in terms of service and its innovations. I am here to ensure that that we have the best people to fit in the culture of RMB with deep knowledge of our products,” said Motswage.
Asked what her main focus entails, she pointed out that she wants RMB to cross sell its products through existing clients as well as to bring sectoral focus to the ban’s client base.
 Motswagae pointed out that as a bank, they have an extensive pool of investment banking talent and fixed income, currency and commodities experts who understand the broader African landscape.
“Our knowledge of local financing requirements, legal and jurisdictional frameworks, together with the expertise and balance sheets of FirstRand Bank, enable us to service the needs of Botswana’s rapidly expanding economy,” she said.
She is of the view that RMB Botswana is an African corporate and investment bank built on Traditional values and Innovative ideas, adding that it is a philosophy they have nurtured and grown since their beginnings.
“Our vision and primary business objective is to create sustainable value, unique solutions and superior economic returns for our clients and shareholders in Africa and beyond,” she stated.
She also emphasized that the need for infrastructure development, agriculture and consumer goods in Africa is vast. Motswagae added that RMB has advised on and financed numerous infrastructure development projects, resource finance projects, mergers and acquisitions and property developments in Africa over varied sectors and industries such as mining and resources, retail, financial services, agriculture and real estate.
She revealed that RMB is a leading player in the infrastructure and project finance sectors and has closed a number of deals and landmark projects in over 15 African countries.
“Our experienced, multi-disciplinary infrastructure finance team provides funding solutions across all key infrastructure sectors, including:┬á public-private-partnerships; power; renewable energy; road; rail; ports; water; ICT; industrial and manufacturing facilities and state-owned enterprises,” said Motswagae.
She is also of the view that there is always pressure of expectations from different stakeholders. “I want to make an impact and for me failure is not an option. Fortunately I am surrounded by good supportive team from the management and staff as well as good resources”.
Before assuming the position of Head of Rand Merchant Bank Botswana, in 2012 Motswagae joined the First Rand Group where she was the Treasurer at Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited. Prior to joining RMB Nigeria, She held the position of Treasurer of First National Bank of Botswana since 2006. As Treasurer, she was responsible for the Balance Sheet Management, Global Markets division, International Trade, and Custody & Trustee Services.