Manzini– FNB Eswatini says it is working on improving its services after small and medium enterprises (SMEs) raised concerns over lending access and merchant devices during the bank’s SME Growth Forum in Manzini.
Speaking at The George Hotel on Monday, FNB Eswatini CEO Thokozani ‘TK’ Dlamini said entrepreneurs had provided feedback on areas where they wanted the bank to improve.
“Our customers have told us that they need our merchant devices to be more agile. They have also asked us to continue with client engagement initiatives to gain a deeper understanding of the support they require and have also requested that we expand access to our loan services,” Dlamini said.
The forum brought together more than 80 SME owners from the Manzini region, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to share challenges and discuss business support solutions.
Dlamini said the engagement sessions were intended to help the bank understand the needs of entrepreneurs and develop responses based on their experiences.
During the forum, FNB SME Lead Nombuso Mndzebele outlined the bank’s Automated Scored Lending facility, which has enabled more than 1 500 SMEs to access funding, with lending limits now reaching E1.5 million.
SEDCO Business Incubation Centre Manager Zakhele Masuku told entrepreneurs that the organisation assists businesses through incubation programmes, training, mentorship and coaching.
ERS Manager for Taxpayer Education and Information Cebolenkhosi Mahlalela encouraged entrepreneurs to keep their business information updated and make use of online tax services, including TaxEase.
The keynote speaker, Dr Mbongeni Dlamini, founder of Eswatini Radiology Services, encouraged entrepreneurs to build partnerships that can create new opportunities.
He shared how his relationship with FNB Eswatini supported his expansion into commercial agriculture.
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