FNB Eswatini is taking decisive steps to strengthen the country’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) sector through innovative financing solutions, with its scored-lending model emerging as a game-changer for local businesses.
The initiative, which uses transactional data to assess creditworthiness, has already disbursed over E250 million to more than 1,000 SME clients since its launch, underscoring that SMEs are reliable, low-risk borrowers. Launched to address perceived barriers to SME financing, the initiative provides much-needed capital based on transactional data rather than traditional collateral.
Speaking at FNB’s Press Play media engagement at House on Fire, Chantel Littler, Head of Commercial Banking, emphasized the bank’s commitment to supporting SMEs at every stage of growth.
“SMEs are the backbone of our economy. Yet access to finance remains a major hurdle for many. Scored lending allows us to assess a client’s transactional history and risk profile, enabling faster lending without the traditional burdensome documentation,” Littler explained.
Initially, SME clients could access up to E250,000, but the bank has since increased the facility to E500,000, with plans to raise it to E1.5 million by mid-2026. According to Littler, despite concerns that SMEs are high-risk borrowers, the bank’s experience has shown otherwise.
“What I like about our scored lending solution is that, while there was a perception among our clients that we don’t provide finance, there was also an internal perception that SME clients are high risk, and we’ve dispelled that. From the E250 million we’ve disbursed, our NPL and loss ratios have remained well within the norm. So, it shows that if you give our SME clients opportunities or assist them, there is a willingness among our clients to pay, which is why we are now at a point where we are comfortable increasing those limits for our clients,” she said.
The scored lending solution is part of FNB Eswatini’s broader SME support framework, which integrates financial, digital, and advisory services to help businesses overcome challenges ranging from access to capital to market reach. Through digital banking platforms, SMEs can make payments, track cash flow, and manage transactions 24/7, reducing time away from business operations.
FNB has also introduced agency banking, partnering with local retailers, including SME clients, to facilitate cash deposits and withdrawals closer to communities. Littler noted, “This model allows SME retailers to increase foot traffic, earn commissions on deposits, and expand their market reach.”
Recognizing the growing importance of digital commerce, the bank has developed an e-commerce payment gateway that enables SME clients with websites to accept online card payments.
Beyond financial and digital solutions, FNB Eswatini offers mentorship, business toolkits, and advisory services. SMEs attending the Eswatini International Trade Fair, workshops, and business seminars receive guidance on cash flow management, risk mitigation, and strategic growth. Littler emphasized that these initiatives aim to holistically empower SMEs, ensuring their sustainability and competitiveness in the local market.
Agriculture-focused SMEs also benefit from production loans that finance inputs, with repayment deferred until after harvest. This approach recognizes the seasonality of farming and helps small-scale farmers maintain operations without immediate financial pressure.
“Scored lending is about more than just providing capital; it’s about changing perceptions,” Littler added. “There was a belief that FNB does not lend to SMEs, and internally, some viewed SMEs as high-risk. But the data is clear: with the right tools and support, SMEs can thrive and repay responsibly.”
Through partnerships with the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority, SEDCO, the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund, and the Eswatini Sugar Association Small Growers Competition, FNB continues to expand SME opportunities across sectors.
Littler concluded, “Our goal is to ensure SMEs have access to finance, markets, and advisory support so they can grow sustainably. Scored lending is just one pillar of our commitment, and we will continue innovating to meet our SME clients’ evolving needs.”