Also known as: FNB Namibia · FNB · First National Bank (FNB) of Namibia
South African-owned financial institution providing banking services, economic commentary, and community investment across Namibia.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
Windhoek Observer
FNB Namibia reported headline inflation accelerated to 3.1% year-on-year in April
“According to FNB Namibia's latest Private Sector Credit Extension report, headline inflation accelerated to 3.1% year-on-year in April, up from 2.1% in March, largely driven by higher transport costs following fuel price increases.”
Short-term borrowing surges as inflation erodes household spending powerThe Namibian
FNB gives teams a portion of their sponsorship directly
“FNB now gives the teams a portion of their sponsorship directly, while the teams have to provide financial accountability reports before they get their next grant.”
FNB Women Super League Last DanceThe Namibian
First National Bank Namibia presented Housing Index showing national weighted average house price of approximately N$1.44 million in Q1 2026
“The latest First National Bank Namibia Housing Index presented during the seminar showed that the national weighted average house price rose to approximately N$1.44 million during the first quarter of 2026.”
House prices out of reach for ordinary NamibianInformanté
First National Bank Namibia provided approximately N$6 billion in loans to fund Eurobond redemption
“According to the report, the Eurobond was repaid partly through the sinking fund and partly through approximately N$6 billion in loans from local commercial banks, including Standard Bank Namibia, First National Bank Namibia, Bank Windhoek and Absa Bank Namibia.”
Namibia’s growing debt burden increasingly becoming cash-flow challenge — economistThe Namibian
First National Bank (FNB) Namibia released report on Namibia's average house price in 1Q2026
“According to a report by Mandisa Van Wyk this week, market research manager at FNB Namibia, the national average house price rose to N$1 460 483 in 1Q2026 from N$1 420 286 in the previous quarter and N$1 345 270 a year ago.”
Average house price increases to N$1.46 millionWindhoek Observer
FNB Namibia reported national house price index increased by 7.1% on 12-month average basis
“According to the latest FNB Namibia house price index report, the national house price index increased by 7.1% on a 12-month average basis.”
House price index grew by 7.1% in Q1Windhoek Observer
FNB Namibia expects Bank of Namibia to keep repo rate mostly unchanged in 2026
“FNB Namibia expects the Bank of Namibia (BoN) to keep the repo rate mostly unchanged in 2026 as inflation risks, weak economic growth and exchange rate volatility continue to pressure the economy.”
FNB expects monetary policy to remain unchangedThe Namibian
First National Bank (FNB) Namibia partnered to finance 532 houses countrywide at cost of N$26.5 million
“"I am informed that, through private sector funding, the partnership between Ohorongo Cement, FNB and the Pupkewitz Foundation has financed the construction of 532 houses countrywide at a cost of N$26.5 million," he said.”
Shack Dwellers Federation builds 536 homes worth N$23.6m through private partnershipsThe Namibian
First National Bank (FNB) Namibia announced a partnership with the City of Windhoek to advance smart city agenda
“First National Bank (FNB) Namibia on Wednesday announced a partnership with the City of Windhoek to advance the capital's 'smart city' agenda, with a focus on improving public safety through enhanced surveillance infrastructure.”
FNB, City of Windhoek partner to boost smart policingThe Namibian
FNB Namibia will contribute N$569 202 to the city's smart policing strategy
“The partnership will see FNB Namibia contribute N$569 202 to the city's 'smart' policing strategy.”
FNB, City of Windhoek partner to boost smart policingDJ Sbu and Sheldon Tatchell, South African entrepreneurs, will be guest speakers at the 2026 Business Summit Namibia in Windhoek on 25 July. The summit, one of Namibia's leading entrepreneurship and networking platforms, is expected to attract approximately 1,000 attendees.
6 June 2026 · The Namibian →
DJ Sbu and Sheldon Tatchell, South African entrepreneurs, will be guest speakers at the 2026 Business Summit Namibia in Windhoek on 25 July. The summit, one of Namibia's leading entrepreneurship and networking platforms, is expected to attract approximately 1,000 attendees.
6 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's headline inflation rose to 3.1% year-on-year in April from 2.1% in March, driven by higher transport costs following fuel price increases linked to Middle East tensions. FNB Namibia warns inflationary pressures are likely to persist, with further strain dependent on geopolitical developments that could push transport and food prices higher.
3 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The FNB Women Super League reaches its final round tomorrow with Mighty Gunners holding a one-point lead over FC Ongos; Gunners can secure their second successive title with a win or draw depending on results, while the league chairperson praised the improved standard and talent on display this season.
29 May 2026 · The Namibian →
About 70% of Namibians can no longer afford formal housing as property prices have soared while incomes stagnate and mortgage access remains limited. Namibia's housing backlog has grown from around 80,000 households in 2007 to approximately 300,000 housing units by 2025, particularly affecting low and middle-income earners.
22 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Economist Almandro Jansen warns that Namibia's debt situation is becoming a cash-flow and refinancing challenge as government relies on continuous domestic borrowing, with a total financing requirement of approximately N$29.22 billion (10.2% of GDP) for 2026/27, though the country remains capable of funding itself.
15 May 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia's average house price increased to N$1.46 million in the first quarter of 2026, up from N$1.42 million the previous quarter, driven by shortages of serviced land and limited housing supply. Demand remains strong in central and coastal regions, though the market faces challenges including weak residential plot sales and low mortgage lending.
14 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's residential property market grew during the first quarter of 2026, with the national house price index increasing 7.1% on a 12-month average basis, though this represents slower growth than the 7.6% recorded at the end of 2025. Luxury housing recorded the strongest growth at 10.8% year-on-year, while transaction volume growth slowed to 10.4% from 17% in the previous quarter.
13 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
FNB Namibia expects the central bank to keep the repo rate mostly unchanged in 2026 as inflation risks, weak economic growth, and exchange rate volatility pressure the economy, with the need to protect the currency peg and maintain import cover limiting scope for interest rate cuts despite mining inflows.
8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Bank of Namibia held its repo rate unchanged at 6.50% on 29 April, citing weak economic activity, slow private sector credit growth, inflation risks and rand strengthening. An FNB economist said easing credit conditions will likely be tempered by elevated borrowing costs, keeping private sector credit growth subdued.
7 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Five legal professionals have been shortlisted for the position of prosecutor general as incumbent Martha Imalwa's tenure ends. The candidates include former deputy prosecutor general Taswald July, former prosecutor Salomon Kanyemba, chief prosecutor Lucious Matota, and deputy prosecutors general Henry Muhongo and Ruben Shileka.
5 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia has built more than 530 houses valued at over N$23 million over the past decade through partnerships with FNB Namibia, the Pupkewitz Foundation and Ohorongo Cement, with a further 60 homes planned for the coming year in selected urban centres.
23 April 2026 · The Namibian →
First National Bank Namibia has pledged N$569,202 to the City of Windhoek to advance its smart city policing agenda through installation of advanced surveillance infrastructure, including panoramic cameras and automatic number plate recognition systems in high-priority areas.
19 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibian commercial banks have no policies to refund defrauded clients, even as the Bank of Namibia reports losses of over N$6 million monthly to fraud. Banks claim liability rests with customers who authorize transactions under deception, while victims say they have been denied compensation; international regulators in the UK and EU are moving to mandate refunds to fraud victims.
16 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Private sector borrowers grew to 4.7% in February from 4.2% in January, ending four consecutive months of slower borrowing. Household credit growth eased to 2.9%, though instalment sale and leasing credit accelerated to 20% y/y, driven by stronger vehicle demand.
11 April 2026 · The Namibian →
The Editors' Forum of Namibia will bar non-member journalists from entering its annual journalism awards from 2027 onwards, with 2026 as a final transition year. The forum says the change aims to ensure all award participants fall under the media ombudsman's authority and are bound by the code of ethics.
10 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Private sector credit extension in Namibia reached 4.7% year-on-year in February 2026, a tentative rebound from earlier months, though growth is increasingly driven by corporate borrowing as households retrench under financial strain. FNB Namibia warns the modest improvement masks fragile underlying conditions, with household credit growth slowing and structural constraints in key sectors limiting broader credit expansion.
9 April 2026 · New Era →
Old Mutual Investment Group has appointed Sepo Haihambo as managing director designate for its Namibian operations effective 1 April. Haihambo brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in banking, investment management and financial services, including previous roles at First National Bank Namibia.
9 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Former NFA administrator Barry Rukoro credits the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup, launched in 2001, with identifying and nurturing talent that led to Namibia's 2015 Cosafa Cup win and subsequent international tournament qualifications. The partnership also transformed the NFA's commercial fortunes and spurred national football infrastructure development.
2 April 2026 · The Namibian →
While fraud victims and observers commonly suspect insider involvement and banks insist their systems prevent employee fraud, recent court cases — including convictions of an FNB consultant and arrest of a Nedbank forensic investigator — show employees have successfully exploited their access to defraud customers.
1 April 2026 · The Namibian →
The president of Namibia Horse Racing Association says the future of horse racing is bleak without increased sponsorship, with only MTC currently backing the sport after FNB Namibia, Standard Bank Namibia, and Debmarine withdrew. The association faces challenges including high costs of maintaining racehorses, insufficient competition prize money, lack of technical equipment like drones for photo finishes, and limited geographic expansion beyond Omaheke, Khomas, Otjozondjupa, and Hardap regions.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
FirstRand Namibia has appointed Conville Britz as a non-executive director effective 1 April, in accordance with NSX listing requirements. Britz, currently general manager for strategy and projects at the Government Institutions Pension Fund, brings experience in strategy and institutional investment to the board.
29 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibia Tourism Board and First National Bank are hosting a two-day workshop for over 100 tourism small and medium-sized enterprises, focusing on tourism training and financial literacy to help grow businesses. The bank contributed N$60,000 towards the initiative, which aims to support emerging entrepreneurs through training, mentorship and capacity-building.
26 March 2026 · The Namibian →
FNB Namibia has been named the Best Bank in Namibia for 2026 by Global Finance, the second year running. The award recognises the bank's focus on innovation, customer service, and responding to Namibia's economic challenges.
23 March 2026 · New Era →
First National Bank Namibia has been named the best bank in Namibia for 2026 by Global Finance's World's Best Banks Awards, marking the second consecutive year the bank has received the recognition. The award honours top-performing banks across 36 African countries, territories and districts and recognises institutions that demonstrate resilience while adapting to industry challenges including regulatory pressures and fintech competition.
20 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Two doctors, several nurses, teachers, intern doctors and health ministry officials are implicated in a fraud scheme involving false medical insurance claims from Sanlam between 2020 and 2024, with accused individuals appearing in Ondangwa Magistrate's Court charged with submitting fraudulent claims. The scheme allegedly involved fake hospitalisations and medical results, with some perpetrators linked to the murder of a prosecutor.
18 March 2026 · The Namibian →
First National Bank Namibia's Automated Deposit Terminals now accept the newly upgraded Namibia Dollar banknotes rolled out by the Bank of Namibia, including the enhanced N$200, N$100, N$50, N$20 and N$10 notes. The commemorative N$30 and N$60 notes remain legal tender but require deposit at FNB branches rather than ATMs.
16 March 2026 · New Era →
The One Economy Foundation equipped 90 young people in Groot Aub, Rehoboth, and Okahandja with entrepreneurship training and starter kits through its #EmpowerToEarn initiative, in partnership with FirstRand Namibia Foundation Trust. The two-day workshops, held between February and March, covered business set-up, financial literacy, and practical training in catering, hairdressing, and agriculture—areas identified through consultation with over 450 young people as having strong income-earning potential.
15 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibian household credit growth rose to 3% in January, driven by increased overdraft demand as households faced post-holiday financial strain despite weak overall private sector credit growth. Overdraft lending accelerated to 7.2% year-on-year in January from 4.3% in December, marking a rebound after six consecutive months of contraction.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Overdraft lending in Namibia rose 1.4% year-on-year in January 2026, reversing a 10.7% decline the previous month, with economist Cheryl Emvula attributing the rebound to post-holiday financial pressure and weak wage growth forcing households to rely on short-term credit. Overall private sector credit growth slowed slightly to 4.2% in January, driven by weaker business lending though household borrowing improved modestly.
12 March 2026 · New Era →
The One Economy Foundation, in partnership with FirstRand Namibia Foundation Trust, launched #EmpowerToEarn to address youth unemployment in peri-urban and semi-rural areas through practical skills training in catering, hairdressing, and agriculture, combined with entrepreneurship and financial literacy modules and post-training business mentorship.
11 March 2026 · New Era →