First National Bank (FNB) has been named Africa’s Best SME Bank for 2026 by Global Finance.
The award recognises banks that demonstrate strong performance in serving SMEs through financing, innovation, customer service and business development support.
FNB said the accolade reflects its efforts to develop products and services aimed at addressing challenges faced by entrepreneurs, including limited access to funding, financial exclusion and digital connectivity barriers.
Among the solutions highlighted by the bank are the Smart Spender Credit Card, which targets first-time borrowers, the SME Hub digital advisory platform, CashPlus agency banking services for underserved communities, Speedee card payment solutions for small businesses, and the H.E.R Banking offering aimed at supporting women-owned enterprises.
FNB Namibia Chief Executive Officer for Commercial Banking, Philip Chapman, said the award reflects the growing role of entrepreneurship in Africa’s economic development.
“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,” Chapman said.
He said the award also acknowledges businesses that continue to innovate and create economic opportunities despite challenging operating environments.
FNB Namibia Head of SME Banking, Nesdha De Jongh, said the recognition reinforces the importance of designing financial solutions that respond to the needs of entrepreneurs.
“Our SME banking strategy is not just transactional; it is transformational. Across Africa, SMEs are solving real challenges with resilience, innovation and determination,” De Jongh said.
He added that access to funding, financial tools and business support remains critical to unlocking growth opportunities for small businesses and strengthening economic participation.
FNB said its SME support extends beyond traditional banking through enterprise development programmes, incubation initiatives, strategic partnerships and youth entrepreneurship platforms aimed at improving the sustainability of businesses across the continent.
The Global Finance Best Banks Awards recognise financial institutions for excellence in areas including financial performance, customer service, innovation, technology adoption and sustainability.
