Osire refugees now enjoy banking services
The Osire Refugee Camp, home to around 5 000 refugees, has long faced challenges in accessing banking services. For years, more than 3 000 adults had no access to financial institutions in Namibia, despite some holding IDs and passports.To access their money, refugees had to travel over 200 km to Otjiwarongo, spending N$200 on transport and risking robbery along the way.
Despite these challenges, Osire has a thriving entrepreneurial spirit. The camp is filled with small shops that not only serve residents but also support nearby farm workers. However, without safe banking facilities, business owners were forced to keep their earnings in cash until they could travel to town, exposing them to risk.
Recognising the urgent need for financial services, FNB Namibia launched a banking initiative to integrate Osire residents into the financial system. This included financial education to empower individuals to manage their money effectively. Key to the strategy was a partnership with local business owners, Mr Bakari of Raphael Shop and Mr Johnson of Johnson Trading, who became the camp’s first Cashplus agents. Through them, refugees can now deposit and withdraw money via cardless transactions and e-wallet services without leaving the camp.
FNB Namibia eBanker, Modestu Ipangelwa, described the initiative as a milestone: “This marks the first time a bank has actively sought to serve a refugee camp in Namibia. Refugees can now conduct financial transactions within their own community, avoiding risky and costly trips to Otjiwarongo or Okakarara.”
He added that the aim is to keep money circulating within the Osire market to encourage business growth and economic stability. “This is not just a business strategy but a humanitarian duty, aligned with our commitment to financial inclusion and digital banking education.”
The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Refugees who once felt excluded now have access to secure savings, investments, and transactions through the FNB App, USSD, and Cashplus services.
The initiative has not only provided banking access but also restored dignity, fostered economic activity, and offered a pathway to a more secure future for Osire residents.