I have always been inspired by a quote from Muhammad Ali: ‘If my mind can conceive it and my heart can believe it, then I can achieve it’. I have never believed in the word ‘impossible’, either. I always take chances, and challenge myself to do better and excel in everything I do.
At school I was a high-flying student in mathematics and sciences. I would eventually ditch sciences to study AAT [Association of Accounting Technicians] in 2000, despite not having a background in accounting, which led me to Deloitte & Touche Botswana. I left the Big Four firm as audit senior, having taken my ACCA to kickstart my career in accounting. Since then, I have gained experience in the mining, mineral investment, and energy sectors, before landing my current role at Air Botswana.
I stepped out of my comfort zone when I took on my first consulting and lecturing gigs
For Botswana, qualified accountants are even more critical in this era of global business, where investment from multinational companies has become more prevalent. The need for finance professionals is growing but it is important for our accountants to hold a suitable professional qualification, such as ACCA. This will set them apart as people of integrity who can be trusted.
I stepped out of my comfort zone when I took on my first consulting and lecturing gigs in 2017. When the company I worked for was liquidated, I decided to set up my own consultancy providing accounting and business services. During this period, I was also alerted to an opportunity for a part-time lecturer at Botswana Accountancy College which became another string to my bow for a time. Preparing for lectures and engaging with students kept me fresh and abreast of new developments in the profession.
I have an ambition to set up the first indigenous private business school in Botswana
The main challenge for the airline industry in Botswana is the aftermath of Covid-19. Business travel is still low compared to the pre-pandemic period because most businesses have stuck with virtual meetings and webinars. Leisure travel has also been impacted by numerous economic factors. The airline business is a numbers game, so low passenger numbers in a highly competitive market makes it difficult for airlines to break even. In addition, operating costs have risen: aviation fuel prices have doubled in Botswana, and maintenance costs have increased because of the scarcity of aircraft spares. The main opportunity for the business currently lies in air cargo freight because many industries in Botswana, especially our retailers, are still importing on a large scale, particularly from China and other Asian markets.
Among my career achievements so far, I would say leading the finance function of a national airline takes the crown. However, I believe my biggest achievement is yet to come as I have an ambition to set up the first indigenous private business school in Botswana.
If I had law-making powers, I would amend the Accountants Act. I would make it unlawful for any person to serve at finance director or CFO level who has not reached fellowship level under Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants. This would reward professional membership and ensure maturity of the profession locally.
If I wasn’t working in finance, I would probably be an engineer, most likely in chemical engineering. This has been an area of interest for me since I was at high school.
In my spare time I enjoy online learning about aviation, tech, leadership, and especially anything about Microsoft Power BI. I intend to develop some courses and teach Excel soon.
