03 Sep 2026

First National Bank (FNB) has been defined as an active partner in Botswana’s development story. 

  Speaking at the official opening of the bank’s new branch on Tuesday in Tutume, the bank’s chief executive officer (CEO) Mr Steven Bogatsu said in its 35 years on existence, the bank has grown alongside Botswana by financing homes, enabling businesses to expand, supporting farmers and funding infrastructure development as well as investing in technology. 

  The latter, he said, has made banking accessible to people over the breadth and width of the country.

More importantly, Mr Bogatsu noted that FNB has stood with its clients through both moments of opportunities and uncertainty such as during periods of economic slowdown, global financial pressures, industrial disruptions and droughts, among the challenges that have tested the resilience of the economy.

He further said it remained committed to supporting households and businesses through practical financial solutions, advice and access to financial capital.

“This was because we understood that helping was not about enabling success during good times but also about providing support when circumstances are difficult,” he said

The CEO highlighted that FNB was not simply a financial institution operating in Botswana but an active partner in all aspects of development and that its impact could be seen on the entrepreneurs who have transformed small businesses into striving enterprises and farmers who have invested into productivity and growth as well as home owners who have built a future for their families.

Further, he said the bank’s impact could also be seen in the lives of thousands of individuals who participated in the economy with greater confidence because they have access to financial services to help them meet their needs.

Mr Bogatsu thus asserted that FNB’s legacy was therefore not measured by the number of branches it has opened, the products it has launched or the awards received but rather by the confidence the clients placed on it every day. Meanwhile, FNB’s board chairperson, Mr Balisi Bonyongo noted that the opening of Tutume branch marked a significant milestone for the people and businesses of Tutume District as it unlocked opportunities for financial services just within reach. unlike before when they had to travel over 200 kilometres to and from Francistown in order to access services. He further added that bringing the bank closer to the people enabled more Batswana to have access to financial support in order for them to realise their ambitions and fully participate in the economy. 

Mr Bonyongo also noted that as a financial institution, FNB aimed at providing long-term value by not only expanding its visibility footprint but rather by investing where its presence could make the greatest difference to the people’s lives and contribute meaningfully to Botswana’s development.

Furthermore, he pointed out that Tutume stood out as one of vibrant strategic communities and establishing a permanent presence in the village demonstrated confidence in the community and its economic potential.

To governor of Bank of Botswana Mr Lesego Moseki, the opening of new outlet strengthened access to banking services for the communities and helped provide greater convenience to local customers by reducing the need to travel for routine banking while at the same time easing congestion at the Francistown main branch.  ENDS