Mbabane- As global trade disruptions and currency volatility continue to reshape the business landscape, the First National Bank Eswatini has called on local companies to adopt strategic financial solutions to remain competitive and resilient.
This transpired during the bank’s Forex and Trade Solutions Seminar held in Ezulwini, where industry leaders, policymakers, and business executives gathered under the theme “Beyond Volatility: Strategic Forex and Trade Solutions for a Fragmenting World.” The event focused on equipping businesses with tools to navigate an increasingly unpredictable global economy.
FNB Eswatini Chief Executive Officer, Thokozani ‘TK’ Dlamini, emphasised the importance of collaboration in developing sustainable solutions tailored to clients’ needs. He noted that while global shifts are beyond control, businesses can still thrive through informed decision-making and strong financial partnerships.
“We believe in staying ahead of the curve. Challenges present an opportunity to innovate and provide our customers with solutions that enable growth, even in uncertain times,” said Dlamini. He added that co-creating solutions with clients is key to ensuring long-term sustainability.
The seminar also shed light on Eswatini’s economic outlook, with Central Bank of Eswatini Director of Financial Markets, Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, warning of rising external vulnerabilities. He stressed that inflation control remains a priority, with direct implications for interest rates and market liquidity.
Adding a regional perspective, RMB Global Markets Research Analyst Claudio Govender described the current environment as a “macroeconomic reset,” marked by consolidation before gradual recovery. Despite ongoing currency fluctuations and geopolitical tensions, he noted that businesses can still unlock opportunities through data-driven strategies and innovative financing structures.
FNB Eswatini’s Trade Relationship Manager, Wendy Snowden, highlighted the bank’s suite of solutions designed to support cross-border trade. These include Letters of Credit, Foreign Bills for Collection, Supply Chain Finance, and Structured Trade and Commodity Finance, tools aimed at improving cash flow and reducing transaction risks for businesses operating internationally
The seminar forms part of FNB Eswatini’s broader strategy to strengthen its trade and forex offering while reinforcing its commitment to client-centric solutions. As the bank looks beyond three decades of operation in the Kingdom, it continues to position itself as a key partner in helping businesses access regional and global markets.
With uncertainty expected to persist, the message from the seminar was clear: businesses that embrace strategic financial tools and partnerships will be better placed to withstand volatility and seize emerging opportunities.
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