FNB wins Africa's best SME bank award
First National Bank has been named Africa's Best SME Bank for 2026 by Global Finance magazine, in recognition of its efforts to expand access to finance for small and medium enterprises across the continent.
The award, announced on 8 June, places FNB alongside Africa's broader push to formalise and scale entrepreneurship at a time when small businesses remain the primary engine of job creation and economic activity in many markets.
FNB has positioned itself as a key enabler of SME growth by developing products aimed at entrepreneurs who have historically been excluded from formal banking. Among its offerings are a credit card designed to help first-time borrowers build a financial track record; an advisory and funding platform called SME Hub; CashPlus, an agent-based model that extends banking into rural and underserved communities; Speedee, which provides affordable card payment solutions for small businesses; and H.E.R Banking, a product line tailored to women-owned enterprises.
Philip Chapman, chief executive for commercial banking at FNB Namibia, said the recognition reflected the broader role financial institutions can play in unlocking entrepreneurial potential across Africa.
"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."
Nesdha De Jongh, head of SME banking at FNB Namibia, said the bank's approach to the sector went beyond lending.
"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."
De Jongh added that the award underscored the investment case for African entrepreneurship. "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."
Beyond its product suite, FNB said it supports SMEs through enterprise development programmes, incubation initiatives, youth entrepreneurship platforms, and partnerships with public and private sector stakeholders.
Global Finance, a New York-based financial publication, has assessed banking institutions worldwide for more than three decades and its annual awards are widely referenced as benchmarks within the industry.
