First National Bank (FNB) last week launched its agricultural financing division, which the bank said will provide a range of financial solutions to farmers. The division is called FNB Agri Division and is unlike with other retro agricultural banks that purely focus on lending.

 The Agri Division provides short- and long-term loans, investment solutions, as well as insurance. The bank will also offer wills and testament services to clients.
“It is created to assist commercial farmers across the full spectrum, from the less privileged communal farmers who want to become more commercial, to well established farmers who no want to take their farming business to the next level,” said Adv Vekuii Rukoro, the group chief executive officer for First National Bank Holdings.At the launch were Sarel van Zyl, the head of branch banking and operations at FNB Namibia, Christof Mate, manager for agriculture in central north, and Tjiuee Kaura, a weekend farmer and employee of Air Namibia. (Photograph by Desie Heita.)