FNB has been named the Best SME Bank in Africa for 2026 by Global Finance, a recognition that affirms its leadership and excellence in serving small and medium enterprises across the continent. The prestigious award, part of the 2026 Best SME Bank Awards, evaluates institutions worldwide based on their knowledge of SME markets, innovation, product range, and market impact. This acknowledgment reinforces FNB’s dedication to developing financial solutions that empower entrepreneurs and drive sustainable economic growth across Africa.
The recognition comes as a testament to FNB’s unwavering focus on building practical, scalable, and innovative solutions that address the unique challenges faced by SMEs. Through its products and services, the bank continues to play a key role in helping small businesses survive, grow, and create employment opportunities in Africa’s dynamic economic environment. FNB’s market leadership is characterized by a deep understanding of entrepreneurs’ financial journeys and a strong commitment to delivering tools that enable their long-term success.
According to FNB CEO Harry Kellan, small and medium enterprises are the backbone of Africa’s economic growth, and supporting them through tailored financial solutions remains central to the bank’s mission. He emphasized that the recognition reflects FNB’s success in meeting SMEs where they are, providing the financial support and digital innovation needed to navigate challenging economic conditions. Kellan highlighted that the bank’s success lies not only in financial performance but also in the tangible impact made in the lives of entrepreneurs and business owners across the continent.
Currently, FNB serves over 1.2 million SME clients in South Africa—representing 93% of its commercial client base—and maintains a strong presence across Botswana, Namibia, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Ghana. In South Africa alone, SMEs contribute nearly two-thirds of FNB’s commercial earnings, underscoring their strategic importance to both the bank’s growth and the broader economy. The bank’s holistic approach—spanning lending, savings, and transactional services—continues to fuel SME success through innovation, accessibility, and customer-centricity.
This recognition by Global Finance reaffirms FNB’s role as a key partner in Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The bank’s ongoing efforts to enable, empower, and sustain SMEs reflect its vision of fostering inclusive economic development through innovation and financial resilience. FNB’s impact extends beyond banking—it is helping shape the future of African entrepreneurship by creating opportunities for growth, adaptation, and prosperity in an evolving business landscape.
