BY THEMBA ZWANE
EZULWINI– FNB Eswatini and the FNB Eswatini Foundation have unveiled a sponsorship package worth more than E1.66 million aimed at supporting education, disaster recovery, women-owned businesses, youth development and community welfare across the country.
The sponsorship package, valued at E1 666 448, was officially handed over during a ceremony held at the bank’s Head Office in Ezulwini on Thursday, where FNB Eswatini Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Thokozani ‘TK’ Dlamini said the investment reflected the institution’s commitment to helping address some of the country’s pressing social and economic challenges.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Dlamini said FNB Eswatini viewed itself as more than a financial institution and had a responsibility to contribute to the development of communities and the wellbeing of emaSwati.
“We are a responsible corporate citizen with a significant role to play in the upliftment of emaSwati, our communities and our beautiful Kingdom,” he said.
Recognised by ERS as most tax-compliant financial, insurance business
The CEO noted that the sponsorship announcement came at a time when the bank had been recognised by the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) as the most tax-compliant financial and insurance business for the fourth consecutive year.
He said while paying taxes was an important contribution to national development, the bank also recognised the need to invest directly in communities through targeted social interventions.
“We understand that we can do even more to help address some of the critical challenges, support the underprivileged and provide sustainable platforms for emaSwati to grow and lead sustainable, high-quality lives,” said Dlamini.
A significant portion of the sponsorship package will be channelled through the FNB Eswatini Foundation, with the largest allocation being a E1 million contribution towards the rehabilitation of a six-classroom block at St Paul’s Primary School in Manzini.
Classrooms severely damaged by windstorm that struck school
The classrooms were severely damaged during a windstorm that struck the school in May this year, disrupting teaching and learning activities for approximately 900 learners.
Dlamini said the Foundation was moved by the impact of the disaster on the school community and hoped the contribution would accelerate restoration efforts.
“We believe that this contribution will help fast-track the rehabilitation process and ensure teachers and learners at St Paul’s can work and learn in conducive, safe environments,” he said.
The Foundation also committed E304 080 towards the ENACTUS Girls in STEM Employability Programme, which seeks to improve employment opportunities for young women graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related fields.
Initiative to provide work-readiness training
The initiative will provide work-readiness training, six-month paid internships and mentorship opportunities for 15 young women graduates.
According to Dlamini, the programme is intended to expand opportunities for women in sectors that have traditionally been male dominated while encouraging more girls to pursue STEM careers.
Another major allocation under the Foundation was E180 000 towards the MTN Foundation’s Adopt-a-School Campaign.
Through the partnership, FNB Eswatini Foundation has adopted Gija High School in the Hhohho Region, where funding will be used to develop a water supply system for learners and staff.
Partnerships crucial in addressing development challenges
Dlamini said partnerships between organisations were crucial in addressing developmental challenges facing schools and communities.
Beyond Foundation-funded projects, FNB Eswatini announced several sponsorships financed directly by the bank.
To strengthen women-led enterprises in the agricultural sector, the bank committed E52 250 to Women in Trade and Development (WITAD).
The funding will support WITAD’s “Nurturing Bankable and Climate-Smart Women’s Agribusinesses in Rural Eswatini” project.
The initiative seeks to empower rural women farmers by providing business incubation, enterprise formalisation support, financial literacy training and market linkages.
A total of 40 women agri-entrepreneurs expected to benefit
A total of 40 women agri-entrepreneurs, including youth and persons with disabilities, are expected to benefit.
Dlamini said the project aligned with the bank’s ambition to be the preferred financial partner for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“As a business, we are honoured to partner with WITAD, aligned with our mandate of being the go-to bank for SMEs in Eswatini,” he said.
The University of Eswatini (UNESWA) also benefited from the sponsorship package, receiving E43 643 for the procurement of sports kits for university teams competing in local and international tournaments.
Dlamini said academic institutions required holistic support that extended beyond the classroom. He said the bank believed students should be encouraged to excel both academically and in extracurricular activities such as sport.
E30 000 towards 2026 Eswatini Spelling Bee Competition
The bank further announced E30 000 towards the 2026 Eswatini Spelling Bee competition, which promotes literacy, confidence and academic excellence among learners.
The competition attracted 190 learners from across the country, comprising 120 primary school pupils and 70 high school students who competed through regional and national stages.
Another E30 000 sponsorship was awarded to the Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) in support of the 2026 Imbube Marathon.
Dlamini said the marathon represented more than a sporting event, describing it as an initiative that promotes health, wellness and social cohesion.
“As FNB Eswatini, we believe in the power of sport to bring people together and be a force for good in society,” he said.
Sponsorship package includes support for vulnerable learners
The sponsorship package also included support for vulnerable learners through a partnership between FNB Eswatini and Buy ‘n Save SPAR.
The partners donated school shoes worth E52 950 to 356 underprivileged children attending 12 public schools across the country.
The beneficiary schools are Dlangeni Primary School, Lobamba National Primary School, Ludzeludze Primary School, Phocweni Primary School, Lomadvokola Primary School, Ekuphileni Primary School, School for the Deaf Primary School, Maphiveni Primary School, Mcuba Primary School, St Aidans Primary School, Mavalela Primary School and Ngololweni Primary School.
According to Dlamini, the schools were nominated by FNB branches located within the communities they serve, ensuring assistance reached learners with the greatest need.
While acknowledging that the sponsorships alone would not solve every challenge facing the country, Dlamini said the investments would make a meaningful difference in the lives of many emaSwati.
Bank’s new financial year commitment
He explained that the sponsorships formed part of the bank’s new financial year commitment under the theme “Help is for Everyone.”
The CEO said the theme reflected the institution’s renewed determination to support inclusive growth and social development.
The ceremony also marked the unveiling of a new FNB Eswatini Foundation logo, which Dlamini said symbolised care, growth, accountability and sustainable impact.
He described the Foundation as a trusted vehicle through which the bank would continue delivering measurable social investment and community development programmes.
Beneficiary organisations to utilise sponsorship responsibly
In closing, Dlamini urged all beneficiary organisations to utilise the sponsorships responsibly and ensure maximum impact for the communities they serve.
“I challenge you as partner organisations receiving these sponsorships here today to stay committed to the shared goal of creating a prosperous, safe and thriving Eswatini for all,” he said.
The E1.67 million package underscores FNB Eswatini’s growing role in supporting education, entrepreneurship, disaster recovery and community development, while strengthening partnerships aimed at improving the lives of emaSwati across the country.
#FNBEswatini #FNBFoundation #SponsorshipHandover #Eswatini #CSI #TaxCompliant
