Africa-Press – Eswatini. FNB Eswatini has officially opened its 13th branch at Siphofaneni Plaza, marking a major milestone in the bank’s 30-year presence in the country and strengthening access to financial services in one of Eswatini’s fastest-growing economic zones.
The branch was officially opened on April 14, 2026, during a ceremony attended by stakeholders, community members and business leaders.
Speaking at the launch, FNB Eswatini Chief Executive Officer Thokozani ‘TK’ Dlamini said the investment reflected the bank’s commitment to taking meaningful development closer to emaSwati.
He said the branch was part of FNB’s ongoing 30th anniversary celebrations under the theme “Sitintile Eswatini futsi asiyindzawo” adding that the opening was proof the bank was not only making promises, but delivering practical solutions.
“This branch is one of the many ways we are showing our commitment to bringing quality services closer to emaSwati. We listened to the needs of our customers and the people of Siphofaneni and surrounding areas, and we knew this was the right time to invest here,” said Thokozani ‘TK’ Dlamini.
The CEO said Siphofaneni rapid growth and rising business activity made it a strategic location for expansion, especially as the area continues to emerge as a major agricultural and commercial centre.
FNB customer Ayanda Simelane welcomed the opening of the new branch, saying it will make banking more convenient and save residents time and transport costs.
“I am very happy about this development. We used to travel far to access banking services, but now everything is closer to us. This will really help us as customers and as a community,” said Simelane.
Previously, residents and business owners in Siphofaneni had to travel to Big Bend or Manzini to access full branch services. He said the new branch would save customers time and transport costs, while improving access to faster and more convenient banking.
The branch will offer a full range of banking services, including expert financial guidance through FNB’s Integrated Financial Advice offering.
The new branch will be led by Branch Manager Sanele Khumalo, who will work with a team of four employees to serve customers in Siphofaneni and surrounding areas.
The Siphofaneni Plaza branch adds to FNB Eswatini’s growing national footprint, which includes its Ezulwini head office, more than 100 ATMs and automated deposit tellers, and over 800 CashPlus agents across the country.
The CEO said the expansion also aligns with the bank’s Shared Prosperity Programme, launched last year, which is built on the principle that business growth must go hand in hand with the growth of communities, clients and the country.
“Through this branch, we are living up to our Shared Prosperity promise. As FNB grows, we want our people and our communities to grow with us,” said Thokozani ‘TK’ Dlamini.
He thanked FNB staff, partners and landlord MA Properties for helping deliver the project, and also acknowledged support from government ministries and agencies.
The opening comes at a time when Siphofaneni is becoming increasingly important to Eswatini’s agricultural output, driven largely by the Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project. The project has developed about 11 500 hectares of irrigated land and was designed to benefit around 2 600 farm households, helping transform thousands of smallholder farmers into commercial producers.
With thousands of farmers and businesses operating in the area, the new branch is expected to improve access to finance, support enterprise growth and deepen financial inclusion.
The CEO said the opening was also significant as it coincided with national celebrations marking 40 years since Mswati III ascended the throne.
“As FNB, we remain committed to working with His Majesty’s Government to bring meaningful development to the country,” he said, before officially declaring the Siphofaneni branch open.
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