FNB Eswatini continues to strengthen the country’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sector through innovative financing solutions.
The latest innovation is the bank’s scored lending model, which has emerged as a game-changer for local businesses. The model uses transactional data to assess creditworthiness and has already disbursed over E250 million to more than 1 000 SME clients since its launch.
FNB Eswatini Head of Commercial Banking Chantel Littler said some clients could currently access up to E500 000, with plans to increase the limit to E1.5 million by mid-2026.
She was speaking during the FNB Press Play media engagement at House on Fire, where she emphasised the bank’s commitment to supporting SMEs at every stage of growth.
The initiative underscores the bank’s position that SMEs are reliable, low-risk borrowers. Littler said the model was introduced to address perceived barriers to SME financing while providing access to capital based on transactional data rather than traditional collateral.
She noted that SMEs are the backbone of the country’s economy, yet access to finance remains a major challenge for many. According to Littler, scored lending allows the bank to assess a client’s transactional history and risk profile, enabling faster lending without the traditional burdensome documentation.
ALSO READ: Double Celebrations: King’s Ruby Jubilee, Birthday Holiday on April 24
Despite common concerns that SMEs are high-risk borrowers, she said the bank’s experience had proven otherwise.
“What I like about our scored lending solution is that while there was a perception among our clients that we do not provide finance, there was also an internal perception that SME clients are high risk, and we have dispelled that.
“From the E250 million we have disbursed, our non-performing loans and loss ratios have remained well within the norm,” she said.
She added that the performance demonstrated that when SMEs are given opportunities and support, they show a strong willingness to repay.
“This is why we are now at a point where we are comfortable increasing those limits for our clients,” Littler said.
The scored lending solution forms 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 its digital banking platforms, SMEs can make payments, track cash flow and manage transactions 24 hours a day, reducing time away from business operations.
FNB has also introduced agency banking by partnering with local retailers, including SME clients, to facilitate cash deposits and withdrawals closer to communities.
Littler said the model allows SME retailers to increase foot traffic, earn commissions on deposits and expand their market reach.
She said such initiatives are aimed at holistically empowering SMEs, ensuring their sustainability and competitiveness in the local market.
Recognising the growing importance of digital commerce, the bank has also developed an e-commerce payment gateway that enables SME clients with websites to accept online card payments.
In addition, FNB offers mentorship, business toolkits and advisory services. SMEs attending the Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) workshops and business seminars receive guidance on cash flow management, risk mitigation and strategic growth.
ALSO READ: Eswatini to host Africa Epilepsy Trust Fund
Agriculture-focused SMEs also benefit from production loans that finance inputs with repayment deferred until after harvest. This approach recognises the seasonality of farming and helps small-scale farmers maintain operations without immediate financial pressure.
Through partnerships with the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA), the Small Enterprise Development Community (SEDCO), the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund (YERF) and the Eswatini Sugar Association Small Growers Competition, FNB continues to expand SME opportunities across sectors.
“Scored lending is about more than just providing capital; it is about changing perceptions,” Littler said.
“There was a belief that FNB does not lend to SMEs, and internally some viewed SMEs as high risk. However, the data is clear that with the right tools and support, SMEs can thrive and repay responsibly.
“Our goal is to ensure that 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,” she added.
