FNB Eswatini has reaffirmed its long-standing partnership with the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (EYA), pledging continued support beyond 2025 as part of its strategy to promote inclusive economic growth and empower local entrepreneurs.
Speaking during the EYA 2025 gala dinner at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre, FNB Eswatini Chief Executive Officer, Thokozani Dlamini, said the bank’s collaboration with SEDCO and the government aligns with the national goal of building a self-sustaining economy driven by small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“Your Majesty, we firmly believe in public-private partnerships to cut through barriers and deliver sustainable help that works for the people we serve,” Dlamini said. “Through this partnership, we are helping the government’s efforts to grow the SME sector, which is the bedrock of Eswatini’s economic growth.”
He noted that the awards programme, now in its 19th edition, continues to produce inspiring success stories that demonstrate the transformative power of entrepreneurship. FNB, he said, is honoured to have supported EYA for 12 consecutive years.
This year also marks a milestone for the bank as it celebrates 30 years of operation in Eswatini since its establishment in 1995. Dlamini said FNB remains deeply rooted in the kingdom and committed to contributing to its long-term prosperity.
“Sitintile Eswatini Futsi Asiyindzawo,” he said, meaning “We are rooted in Eswatini and we are going nowhere.”
Dlamini commended His Majesty and the Government for creating a conducive environment for business growth and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to partnering with both public and private sectors. “We enjoy a seamless working relationship with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, and we can attest that Eswatini truly is open for business,” he said.
Looking to the future, Dlamini outlined FNB’s four strategic focus areas (Financial Inclusion, Financial Wellbeing, Climate Change, and Economic Transformation) which guide the bank’s investment and development priorities.
He explained that these pillars are part of the bank’s broader “Shared Prosperity” agenda, aimed at ensuring that economic growth benefits all emaSwati. “We are intentional about allocating our capital to the economy to contribute to the country’s long-term socio-economic growth,” Dlamini said.
He concluded by assuring the nation that FNB will continue to champion local enterprise through financing, mentorship, and innovation. “We begin our next 30 years in Eswatini with a commitment to continue walking together with your government and emaSwati to invest in Eswatini and build shared prosperity.”