Access Bank Botswana has appointed seasoned executive Reetsang Willie Mokgatlhe as an Independent Non-Executive Director, effective April 15, 2026, strengthening the bank’s board with decades of cross-industry and international leadership experience.
The appointment comes as the bank continues to position itself for growth in Botswana’s increasingly competitive financial services sector.
Mokgatlhe brings more than 35 years of experience spanning aviation, energy and public sector leadership across Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and the Netherlands. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance from the University of Botswana and a Master of Science in Transport Economics from Cranfield Institute of Technology in the United Kingdom.
His career includes several high-profile executive roles. He served as founding Managing Director of Botswana Oil Limited, where he played a key role in shaping the country’s petroleum supply strategy and supporting citizen participation in the sector. He also previously held chief executive roles at Shell Namibia and Shell Oil Botswana, and worked as Government Relations Advisor for Africa at the Shell Group in the Netherlands.
In aviation, Mokgatlhe led Air Botswana as CEO, where he steered the national carrier to profitability in what is widely regarded as a structurally challenging industry.
Beyond executive management, Mokgatlhe has built an extensive governance portfolio. He has served as chairman and director across several prominent institutions, including FAR Property Company, National Development Bank, Botswana Tourism Organisation and Botswana Development Corporation. He currently chairs Cresta Marakanelo Limited and serves as Managing Director of Prax Botswana.
Access Bank Botswana said his experience in corporate governance, finance, stakeholder engagement and business development would be valuable as the bank navigates its next phase of growth.
“Mr Mokgatlhe will bring a wealth of experience to the Board,” the bank said in a statement, adding that it looks forward to his contribution to its long-term strategy and performance.
The appointment reflects a broader trend among financial institutions in Botswana to strengthen board expertise as regulatory expectations rise and competition intensifies, particularly with the expansion of pan-African banking groups in the market.