First National Bank (FNB) Namibia has been recognised as Namibia’s best SME bank at the Global Banking and Finance Awards.
The bank says the accolade reflects its efforts to expand financing and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The award recognises the bank’s performance in SME banking, financial inclusion and innovation.
It follows an earlier recognition in which FNB, together with its South African operations, was named Africa’s best SME bank.
According to the bank, it currently serves SMEs in all of Namibia’s 14 regions and estimates that it holds between 35% and 40% of the country’s SME banking market.
FNB says the award acknowledges its role in improving access to finance for entrepreneurs by introducing alternative lending solutions, including unsecured credit products aimed at first-time borrowers.
The bank says it has invested in entrepreneur development through business training, incubation support and partnerships, adding that more than 1 500 entrepreneurs have benefited from its programmes.
FNB Namibia head of SME banking Nesdha de Jongh says the recognition reflects the confidence entrepreneurs have placed in the bank.
“Being recognised as Namibia’s best SME bank is especially meaningful because it reflects the trust that entrepreneurs place in us every day. SMEs are at the heart of Namibia’s economy, creating jobs, driving innovation and strengthening communities.” De Jongh says.
