BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI– Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Eswatini are set to benefit from easier access to finance after FNB Eswatini increased the lending limit under its automated scored lending model to E1.5 million.
The enhanced financing facility is aimed at helping growing businesses access capital faster and more conveniently, with less hassle, as they seek to expand operations, invest in new opportunities and strengthen their contribution to the economy.
The announcement was made by FNB Eswatini Chief Executive Officer Thokozani ‘TK’ Dlamini during the Manzini Regional Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (EYA) 2026, held at The George Hotel on 27 July 2026.
The high-profile event, organised by the Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO) in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade and FNB Eswatini, brought together government officials, business leaders and entrepreneurs to celebrate innovation, resilience and enterprise development in the Manzini Region.
Dlamini said the decision to raise the lending threshold was informed by feedback from entrepreneurs who have participated in FNB’s SME Growth Forums held across the country.
He said the forums have provided the bank with an opportunity to listen directly to business owners about the support they need to grow and the areas where financial institutions can improve their services.
“Beyond unveiling our regional winners, we have also had the opportunity to hear from our entrepreneurs on how our help has supported their growth but also, equally important, what they need us to improve,” Dlamini said.
He explained that entrepreneurs had called for more agile merchant devices, greater engagement with SMEs and improved access to financing.
“Our entrepreneurs have told us that they need our merchant devices to be more agile, to engage more with them, and to expand access to our loan services. We have heard these submissions, and I am happy to share that through our scored lending approach, we are now able to support our SMEs with funding of up to E1.5 million—ensuring our entrepreneurs get convenient capital injections when they need it most,” he said.
The automated scored lending model is expected to make it easier for qualifying SMEs to access funding based on their business performance and financial information, helping reduce some of the barriers traditionally associated with obtaining business finance.
Dlamini also recognised the important role played by regional leadership in creating an environment that supports enterprise development.
He commended the office of the Manzini Regional Administrator, Prince Gija, for supporting initiatives that promote local economic activity, including the annual Manzini Regional Day.
Reaffirming FNB Eswatini’s commitment to working with SEDCO and government stakeholders, Dlamini said supporting SMEs remained an important part of the bank’s broader strategy.
He acknowledged that addressing the needs of the SME sector was an ongoing process that required continued engagement and collaboration.
“We acknowledge that we won’t get everything right at once, but we will not stop in our bid to find the right solutions for SMEs in Eswatini,” Dlamini said.
He pledged that FNB would continue working to make its services more accessible and responsive to the needs of entrepreneurs.
“We will be relentless in making our service efficient and bringing our help closer to where SMEs are. This platform brings us closer to SMEs, ensuring that we work as partners in their growth journey,” he said.
Dlamini said FNB’s commitment to the sector was aligned with the bank’s refreshed brand promise, assuring entrepreneurs that the financial institution remained ready to support their ambitions.
“As I conclude, Honourable Minister, I wish to assure you that FNB Eswatini stands ready to support the development of the SME sector. Njengaloku solo sisho, ‘Sitintile Eswatini futsi asiyindzawo.’ Lonyaka ke sihamba phasi kwesetsembiso lesisha lesitsi, ‘Lusito lolukhonsile lwawo onkhe emaSwati.’ I promise the businesspeople of Manzini that FNB’s support is built for you—because we understand that when you grow, our nation grows.”
The EYA 2026 gathering was followed by an interactive SME Growth Forum hosted by FNB at the same venue, giving entrepreneurs an opportunity to engage directly with the bank and access practical business guidance, banking solutions and financial support services.
The forum formed part of FNB Eswatini’s broader efforts to strengthen engagement with SMEs and ensure that entrepreneurs have access to the tools, knowledge and financing they need to build sustainable businesses.
The increased lending limit is expected to further strengthen access to finance for qualifying SMEs, providing entrepreneurs with greater opportunities to grow their businesses and contribute to job creation and economic development in Eswatini.
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