MBABANE - FNB Eswatini has intensified efforts to expand inclusive access to property finance by strengthening collaboration across the property value chain.
The bank recently brought together financial institutions, real estate professionals and regulatory bodies to improve the homeownership journey for emaSwati.
This commitment took centre stage on February 18 when the bank hosted its inaugural FNB Property Indaba 2026 at its Head Office in Ezulwini.
The high-level engagement convened key stakeholders across the property sector, including estate agents, conveyancers, developers, valuers and the Deeds Office.
The indaba unpacked opportunities to streamline processes, reduce inefficiencies and enhance the overall home loan experience for customers. The engagement forms part of FNB Eswatini’s broader strategy to strengthen alignment between industry players and regulators as it pushes to widen access to affordable home finance, particularly for young professionals and low-income earners.
Opening the session, FNB Executive Head of Retail, Mncedzi Ngomane, said that sustainable growth in homeownership could only be achieved through coordinated action across the entire property ecosystem.
“Driving inclusion in homeownership requires more than innovative products; it requires strong collaboration across the property value chain. As we continue to support young professionals and low-income earners through solutions like the Sicalo Home Loan, we are equally focused on strengthening partnerships with conveyancers, real estate professionals and the Deeds Office to improve process efficiency,” Ngomane said.
He added that stronger partnerships are essential to making the homeownership journey seamless for emaSwati, particularly as demand for affordable housing finance continues to rise.
The indaba provided a rare platform for open dialogue among evaluators, developers, estate agents and regulators, helping to promote transparency and shared accountability within the sector.
Industry evaluator and panelist Bongani Zwane described the engagement as timely, noting that education across the value chain remains critical to unlocking broader access to homeownership.
“The Property Indaba is a great initiative by the bank as stakeholder education and engagement are critical and trickle down to customer education,” Zwane said.
Moderating the discussions, Tiyamike Maziya of Lionheart Properties emphasised that alignment among property professionals is fundamental to building a more resilient and transparent market.
“Only through constant communication and a shared understanding of our roles can we truly serve emaSwati and help them create generational wealth. The ‘meeting of the minds’ we talk about today is the foundation for a more transparent and robust property market in Eswatini,” Maziya said.
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