FNB Namibia and BoN discuss regional trade growth
FNB Namibia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration between the financial sector and policymakers, following a strategic engagement with the Governor of the Bank of Namibia, Ebson Uanguta, alongside senior FirstRand Group executives.
At a time when Namibia’s growth trajectory is shaped by structural reform and emerging sector opportunity, the engagement underscored the importance of coordinated action to unlock sustainable, broad-based economic progress. Discussions centred on the country’s outlook, with focus on evidence-based policymaking, economic diversification and translating opportunity into meaningful participation across the economy. The role of the financial sector in enabling high-growth industries, including oil and gas, was also
highlighted as a driver of long-term resilience.
Conrad Dempsey, Chief Executive Officer of FNB Namibia, noted that Namibia’s economic future will depend not only on the opportunities ahead but on how effectively those opportunities are enabled. He emphasised that inclusive growth is designed through deliberate collaboration between the public and private sectors.
“At FNB Namibia, our role extends beyond financing growth to enabling it across the economy,” Dempsey said. “The focus now is on broadening that growth and making it more inclusive, ensuring that the systems supporting it remain responsive, efficient and accessible. Namibia is positioned within an increasingly connected African growth story, with the foundations in place to play a greater role in regional trade and investment flows.”
“Our work, in close collaboration with policymakers, is to continue strengthening the financial ecosystem that supports this, enabling businesses to scale and access opportunity across borders. This ongoing effort translates economic potential into sustained, inclusive growth,” noted Dempsey. The engagement also reinforced the importance of maintaining a financial system that is stable, accessible, innovative and aligned with national development priorities. Through continued collaboration with policymakers and industry stakeholders, FNB Namibia aims to support enterprise development, deepen local participation and contribute to a more competitive and resilient economy.
Byron Longwe, Chief Executive Officer responsible for FirstRand’s broader Africa operations, highlighted the importance of regional connectivity in shaping Africa’s economic future, noting that strategically positioned economies such as Namibia have a critical role to play.
“Trade hubs are not defined by geography alone, but by how effectively they connect markets, capital and opportunity,” Longwe said. “Namibia is well-positioned, not only as a growing economy, but as an important link to regional and continental opportunity. Its stability, infrastructure and strategic location create a strong platform to connect local businesses to broader African markets.”
He added that financial institutions have a critical role to play in supporting growth and accelerating it. “When businesses grow, economies become more resilient and more inclusive. Banking has a responsibility to finance that growth and actively connect and catalyse it.”
Longwe added that “our presence across the continent allows us to bring these opportunities together in a way that supports local expansion and regional integration.”
FNB Namibia remains focused on delivering innovative financial solutions, strengthening partnerships and contributing to a more inclusive, sustainable and future- ready economy. As Namibia continues to position itself as a gateway to the broader African market, the bank’s role in connecting businesses, enabling expansion and unlocking regional opportunities will remain central to its long-term impact.
