The criteria for Best SME Bank is based on knowledge of SME markets and needs, breadth of products and services, market standing, and innovation. FNB was recognised as the bank that best meets the specialised needs of SMEs in Africa.
Mr Steven Lefentse Bogatsu, FNB Botswana CEO, says, “To be awarded as the Best SME Bank in Africa is truly humbling and affirms our commitment to empowering SMEs to continue playing a meaningful role in economies across our continent. Over the course of the pandemic, we have accelerated investment in our digital platforms to ensure that our commercial and retail clients can overcome operational and financial constraints caused by the global pandemic. As the global economy gradually re-opens, we remain on hand to help our clients to regain economic activity in all areas where we operate.”
He also mentioned that the Bank has an innate mandate to promote the growth of the small and medium enterprises through improved access to finance and competitive finance credit facilities, as well as transactional and investment facilities.
Petrus Sebina, FNBB Commercial Head says, “This accolade attests to our ongoing endeavours to better understand and provide solutions for our clients’ needs. Our strategy is underpinned by a myriad of initiatives to support businesses throughout their life stages and unique context.
FNBB recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with United Nations Development Programme, within the framework of the UNDP Supplier Development Programme, to encourage buyers who are currently importing products to supply the Botswana market to buy from local suppliers, to create jobs and diversify the economy while reducing poverty and inequality. This partnership will facilitate the much needed access to finance and capacity building for local SMEs as they start, run and upscale their businesses.
