Best bank 2025: First National Bank of Botswana
First National Bank of Botswana stands out as a titan in its field due to its robust market leadership and unprecedented financial strength.
As the most profitable bank in Botswana and the largest company by market capitalisation on the Botswana Stock Exchange, it has demonstrated impressive growth statistics. It not only achieved a 21% rise in net income year-over-year but also saw its loan market share grow from 22% in H1 2023 to 24% by H2 2024, with its return on equity reaching a formidable 35.5%.
The bank also excels in promoting financial inclusion, especially within remote and underserved communities. It serves a vast customer base of over 700,000 through 1,675 CashPlus agents – an impressive 58% of which operate in hard-to-reach areas – and through 14,767 point-of-sale devices alongside various digital platforms. These measures significantly enhance the accessibility of banking services across vast and varied geographical locations.
In its commitment to innovation, sustainability and enhanced customer experience, First National Bank of Botswana has introduced several pioneering offerings. These include the eWallet Pro and Scored Credit Tool catering to SME lending and digital transactions, and a ‘client device first’ approach, which bolsters service efficiency.
Moreover, the bank set a benchmark in sustainability by starting Botswana’s first grid-scale solar PV project and actively investing in green finance sectors like agriculture. The bank’s commitments extend through its FNBB Foundation, underlining its dedication to corporate social responsibility initiatives and long-term community engagements.
By coupling financial robustness with a focus on inclusion, innovative tech-enabled solutions and sustainable practices, First National Bank of Botswana is a leader reshaping the banking landscape in Botswana.
Best investment bank 2025: Stanbic Bank Botswana
Stanbic Bank Botswana has solidified its position as Botswana’s best investment bank through its strategic financing activities across multiple sectors that align closely with national developmental objectives. The bank facilitated significant transactions aimed at bolstering Botswana’s economy, particularly in sectors crucial for the country’s shift towards a knowledge-based economy.
In the telecommunications sector, Stanbic Bank provided Mascom Wireless with a P295.5 million ($22.2 million) term loan to support the development of 5G infrastructure, crucial for enhancing service affordability and accessibility. This initiative directly supports the Botswana government’s strategy to advance a knowledge-based economy. Similarly, a P400 million revolving credit facility to Orange Botswana further underscored the bank’s commitment to improving telecommunications infrastructure, a vital component of modern economies.
Stanbic Bank also played a pivotal role in the commercial real estate and retail sectors by arranging a P221 million loan for PrimeTime Holdings and a P250 million loan for Sefalana Holdings. These financial injections enabled these firms to optimise their balance sheets and expand operations, thus positioning Stanbic as a substantial capital provider.
Stanbic’s P200 million loan facility to Engen Marketing facilitated the expansion of retail stores into more remote areas, enhancing service accessibility and boosting market share. Another notable transaction was the P117 million loan to Master Farmer Feeds for expanding plant capacity and modernising equipment, bolstering the agriculture sector and food security in Botswana.
In times of economic distress, such as the difficult period faced by the diamond market, Stanbic provided a P400 million revolving credit facility to mining company Debswana, demonstrating its role in maintaining economic stability.
Through these transactions, Stanbic Bank Botswana has not only driven corporate growth and structural enhancements in multiple key sectors but has also significantly contributed to the economic resilience and strategic objectives of Botswana.
Best bank for ESG 2025: First National Bank of Botswana
First National Bank of Botswana distinguishes itself as Botswana’s best bank for ESG through its robust framework and significant contributions to sustainable finance.
The bank has developed a comprehensive ESG strategy and policy framework which includes the introduction and updates of critical policies such as the climate change policy, energy and fossil fuels financing policy, and a sustainable finance framework.
These developments are overseen by high-level governance structures, specifically the sustainability committee and the directors’ affairs and governance committee, ensuring strategic alignment with global ESG norms and practices.
The bank has demonstrated noteworthy growth in sustainable finance. By increasing its commitments from P400 million ($30 million) in 2023 to P872.65 million in 2024, it has significantly backed initiatives that encourage climate mitigation and promote the inclusion of SMMEs.
First National Bank of Botswana’s pivotal role in financing landmark projects is illustrated by its support of the Scatec 120MW Mmadinare Solar Cluster and the financing of Barloworld’s EDGE-certified green building, which highlights its dedicated efforts to back eco-friendly developments.
The bank has bolstered its ESG capacity by conducting specialised training for both its executives and broader staff. Such training covers critical aspects including climate risk workshops and engagements with notable entities like the Climate Bonds Initiative. The alignment of its disclosures and risk assessments with standards set by the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures and Greenhouse Gas Protocol, and the input into FirstRand’s Climate Change Strategies Report, accentuates its commitment to transparency and adherence to international best practices.
These concerted efforts position First National Bank of Botswana at the forefront of championing environmental sustainability within the banking sector in Botswana, actively paving the way for a more sustainable financial landscape.
