The significant green loan approvals and other sustainable projects FNBB is engaged in are steps forward in the commercial bank’s long-term strategy to contribute positively to Botswana’s green economy while advancing its own operational resilience in an evolving financial landscape, officials said.
Presenting the bank’s full-year financial results last week, FNBB CEO, Steven Bogatsu, highlighted the adoption of a suite of ESG policies, which have been instrumental in guiding the bank’s shared value strategies.
"Progress was made during the year, as we approved green loans in line with our resolve to participate in sustainable finance meaningfully," he said.
Bogatsu said that while the bank’s recent efforts have been focused on curating sustainability policies, the coming year will see accelerated implementation. He added that FNBB is targeting several ambitious objectives across the ESG spectrum, including green financing and the promotion of Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion (DEBI).
The bank’s sustainability journey began five years ago, seeing notable successes through its Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) division. One such achievement was a P105 million green building loan extended to Barloworld Equipment Botswana.
The building has since earned several sustainable certifications, including an EDGE Advanced Certification, thanks to its 51% energy efficiency, 29% water savings, and 31% reduction in embodied energy in its materials.
Additionally, RMB played a pivotal role in the financing of a landmark solar Photovoltaic (PV) development in Mmadinare, providing P405 million in facilities and covering 50% of the debt funding. The project underscores FNBB’s commitment to supporting renewable energy initiatives in Botswana, officials said.
Meanwhile looking ahead, the bank plans to maintain its focus on innovation, with initiatives leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data science to enhance both employee and customer experiences.
As part of its modernisation efforts, FNBB will also prioritise cybersecurity measures to safeguard its operations and future-proof itself against potential threats.
