FNB Namibia has announced that it has been named the Africa regional winner at the Banker’s Technology Awards 2025, hosted by The Banker, a publication of the Financial Times Group. This highly competitive, globally recognised award celebrates the bank’s exceptional achievements in digital transformation, customer empowerment, and expanding access to financial services across Namibia.
The Banker’s Technology Awards are widely considered the global benchmark for innovation in banking, honouring initiatives that deliver real impact—improving access, enhancing security, and transforming the customer experience. Judged by a panel of international experts, the awards recognise institutions that are setting new global standards through practical, scalable innovation. This year, a new record was set, with over 200 submissions showcasing bold ideas in technology and innovation from around the globe.
Among a field of world-class entries, FNB Namibia took the win for Africa, with The Banker stating that “FNB Namibia has gained a leading position in Africa with a strategy focused on enhancing financial inclusion and delivering innovative solutions for customers across the country. Amongst the key elements that resulted in the win, the judges noted that FNB Namibia stood out for “the most meaningful initiative focused on financial inclusion,” highlighting CashPlus as “an incredibly important tool to make banking accessible across the country.” By partnering with local merchants and businesses, FNB has created a national network of agents offering banking services, such as deposits and withdrawals, directly in customers’ communities, many of which previously had no access to traditional banking.
This is just one example of FNB Namibia’s broader digital innovation strategy, which is designed to simplify banking and bring it closer to the people. The bank’s mobile-first approach is anchored by Namibia’s leading banking app, which is zero-rated, meaning customers can use it without incurring mobile data charges—removing yet another barrier to access. Whether managing accounts, making transfers, or getting support, the app enables safe, convenient, real-time banking for a wide range of customers, from urban professionals to rural entrepreneurs.
“FNB Namibia is honoured to be named the African winner in The Banker’s Technology Awards 2025,” said Conrad Dempsey, CEO of FirstRand Namibia, who added, “This prestigious recognition validates our mission to drive inclusive, innovative banking that empowers every Namibian. We believe that through technology, we are transforming access to financial services, making Namibia more globally competitive, and strengthening communities.”
This recognition not only solidifies FNB Namibia’s position as a digital leader in Africa but also highlights the growing global significance of innovation from emerging markets. FNB Namibia took the title in the regional category, meaning it was the ultimate winner on the continent, proving that solutions built for local needs can set the standard for global financial innovation.