African SMEs at the forefront as global finance
First National Bank (FNB) has been recognised as Africa’s Best SME Bank for 2026 at the prestigious Global Finance Awards, reaffirming its position as Africa’s largest and most accessible SME banking partner and a key driver of economic growth across the continent. At the heart of this recognition lies a powerful truth: Africa’s growth story is being written by its entrepreneurs. Across the continent, small and medium enterprises continue to power economies. from bustling city streets to remote rural communities, small and medium enterprises are sustaining livelihoods and redefining the future of the economy.
They are creating jobs and driving innovation, despite operating in environments often shaped by infrastructure gaps, limited access to funding, unequal digital connectivity, and evolving market realities. These challenges have not only highlighted the resilience of African entrepreneurs but have also pushed financial institutions to rethink traditional banking models and innovate alongside the businesses they serve.
Within this context, FNB has continued to evolve its SME offering by developing solutions that prioritise accessibility, simplicity, digital enablement, and long-term sustainability. Across its markets, FNB continues to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, from informal traders entering the formal economy for the first time to established enterprises scaling through digital transformation. The recognition acknowledges the bank’s ongoing efforts to unlock opportunities for SMEs, create sustainable economic participation, and design banking solutions that respond directly to the realities of doing business in Africa.
In a rapidly evolving business landscape where traditional banking models have often fallen short, FNB has continued to lead, leaning into innovation and designing solutions that speak directly to the realities of local entrepreneurs. By actively removing traditional barriers to entry, the bank has introduced solutions that support first-time SME borrowers, informal-to-formal transitions, and digitally enabled growth. These include:
- Smart Spender Credit Card – designed to unlock access to credit for first-time borrowers, this solution enables entrepreneurs with limited or no credit history to begin building a financial track record, empowering them to access further funding and grow their businesses with confidence.
- SME Hub – a digitally enabled, advisory-led platform that provides SMEs with faster access to funding, tools, and expert guidance, helping business owners make informed decisions while simplifying and accelerating their banking experience.
- CashPlus – an innovative, agent-based banking model that extends financial services into underserved and rural communities
- Speedee – providing affordable card payment solutions for small businesses
- H.E.R Banking – a dedicated offering focused on empowering women-owned businesses through tailored financial solutions, mentorship opportunities, and support structures that address the unique challenges faced by female entrepreneurs.
Speaking on the recognition, CEO of Commercial at FNB Namibia, Philip Chapman, said the award reflects a broader African growth story driven by entrepreneurship and innovation. “This recognition is bigger than any one market. It reflects the potential of African entrepreneurship and the role financial institutions can play in unlocking opportunities across the continent. More importantly, it is a celebration of the businesses that continue to innovate, adapt, and create meaningful economic impact in their communities every day. Their resilience and ambition are helping shape Africa's future, and we are proud to support that journey.”
FNB's commitment to empowering SMEs extends beyond banking products and services. Through enterprise development initiatives, incubation programmes, strategic partnerships, youth entrepreneurship platforms, and innovation ecosystems, the bank continues to invest in the long-term sustainability of African businesses and communities. Head of SME Banking at FNB Namibia, Nesdha De Jongh, said the recognition reinforces the importance of building solutions that address the realities faced by entrepreneurs.
“Our SME banking strategy is not just transactional; it is transformational. Across Africa, SMEs are solving real challenges with resilience, innovation, and determination. Our role as a bank is to build solutions that respond to those realities, not only through funding, but by enabling long-term sustainability, inclusion, and growth.”
He added, “This award serves as a reminder that African SMEs are scalable, impactful, and worthy of investment. When entrepreneurs are given access to the right tools, funding, and support, they can unlock opportunities that benefit entire communities and economies. With continued collaboration between the public and private sectors, I have no doubt that Africa's entrepreneurial future is exceptionally bright.”
As Africa’s SME sector continues to evolve, one thing is clear: when innovation meets opportunity, growth is inevitable and FNB is ready to serve, partner, and grow alongside every entrepreneur shaping the nation’s future.
