FNB Recognized as Best SME Bank in Africa by Global Finance

First National Bank (FNB) has been named the Best SME Bank in Africa by Global Finance in the 2026 Best SME Bank Awards. This prestigious recognition celebrates banks that demonstrate excellence in catering to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the globe. The awards evaluate institutions based on their knowledge of the SME market, the breadth of their product offerings, their market standing, and their ability to innovate.

FNB’s achievement reflects its strong market position and its ongoing commitment to providing practical and scalable solutions that enable SMEs to thrive. These businesses are vital to Africa’s economic growth, contributing significantly to employment and innovation across the continent. According to Harry Kellan, FNB’s CEO, “Small and medium enterprises are the backbone of Africa’s economic growth. By supporting them with banking services tailored to their financial journey, we empower them to grow and succeed, particularly in these challenging economic times.”

FNB currently serves over 1.2 million SME clients in South Africa, representing 93% of its commercial client base. The bank also has a significant presence in several African countries, including Botswana, Namibia, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Ghana. In South Africa alone, SMEs account for approximately two-thirds of the bank’s commercial earnings, underscoring their strategic importance to both the bank and the country’s broader economic development.

Kellan added, “Our leadership across lending, savings, and transactional products demonstrates that we take a holistic approach to SME banking. This approach is rooted in innovation, accessibility, and a deep understanding of our customers’ needs, empowering entrepreneurs and fueling economic growth.”

This award not only highlights FNB’s success in numbers but also emphasizes its real-world impact on SME owners across Africa. FNB is proud to be the financial partner of choice for over a million entrepreneurs in South Africa and beyond, helping them grow, adapt, and succeed in a dynamic and often unpredictable economic landscape.

FNB’s recognition as Best SME Bank in Africa underscores the bank’s commitment to delivering solutions that respond to the unique challenges faced by African business owners, ultimately supporting their long-term resilience and growth