FNB Namibia proudly stood at the forefront of the 2025 Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) Global Policy Forum (GPF), hosted earlier this month in Swakopmund.
This landmark gathering, widely celebrated as a resounding success, brought together over 800 delegates from 64 nations, making Southern Africa the stage for this pivotal dialogue for only the third time in AFI’s history.
The event underscored the transformative power of financial inclusion, especially in a world shaped by geopolitical shifts, economic turbulence, and climate uncertainty.
Leaders and changemakers convened to share insights, debate challenges, and reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that financial inclusion remains not merely a policy priority, but a global public good, empowering societies to prosper in uncertain times.
As a participant and thought leader at the forum, FNB Namibia seized the opportunity to showcase its innovative financial inclusion initiatives and share best practices with peers from around the world.
“FNB Namibia didn’t just attend—we led,” said Kirsty Watermeyer, Group Communications Manager at FNB Namibia.
“We forged new partnerships and shared Namibia’s journey, inspiring others to learn from our solutions like CashPlus, which has become a beacon in the quest for greater financial access.”
“What’s especially gratifying is the response we’ve received following the GPF. Numerous countries have reached out to the Bank of Namibia, eager to collaborate and learn from the innovative solutions pioneered like CashPlus, which has been recognised as outstanding benchmarks on the journey toward true financial inclusion.”
Throughout the four-day forum, FNB Namibia actively contributed to panels and working groups focused on financial technology, inclusive banking, and sustainable development.
The bank’s approach demonstrated how financial services can reach underserved and rural communities, fueling Namibia’s economic growth.
While FNB Namibia was proud to participate in the Global Policy Forum, our role was to support the Bank of Namibia by helping to coordinate key moments, such as the financial inclusion story featured during the opening ceremony.
By working alongside local filmmakers, musicians, and dancers, FNB Namibia contributed to an engaging cultural experience for international delegates, showcasing Namibia’s vibrant spirit and helping to highlight the broader impact of financial inclusion in our country.
During the opening ceremony, FirstRand Namibia Group CEO Conrad Dempsey delivered a keynote address, reaffirming FNB Namibia’s steadfast commitment to financial inclusion and economic empowerment. He credited the bank’s achievements to collaboration and a spirit of innovation, with a clear message: inclusion is built on partnership, vision, and resolve.
Looking ahead, Papua New Guinea will host the next Global Policy Forum, having reached out to the Alliance for Financial Inclusion to learn from Namibia’s exemplary hosting and cultural showcase.
“This is true success, not only did we advance financial inclusion, we offered delegates an authentic taste of Namibian warmth and hospitality. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with delegates departing Swakopmund inspired and deeply connected,” Watermeyer reflected.
Namibia’s role as host for this prestigious event is a recognition of the country’s leadership and growing influence in global finance.
“FNB Namibia is honored to help amplify Namibia’s story and commitment to building an inclusive future. The Global Policy Forum was more than a conference, it was a bold affirmation of our progress and our potential. As we look forward, FNB Namibia stands ready to lead the way toward a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow,” Watermeyer concluded.
