FNB Botswana has opened a branch in Tutume, extending its physical presence into one of the country’s largest villages and reducing the need for residents to travel to Francistown for routine banking services.
The branch, which opened on July 8th, offers a full range of banking products, including transactional services, lending, savings, investments and insurance. It complements the bank’s existing network of CashPlus agents and ATMs in the area.
The move reflects a broader effort by banks to balance digital channels with physical infrastructure in areas that serve large rural populations.
Monkgogi Mogorosi, FNB Botswana’s retail banking executive, said the investment forms part of the bank’s strategy of bringing financial services closer to where clients live and conduct business.
“The opening of Tutume Branch is a significant milestone in the bank’s strategy to bring banking closer to where our clients live and do business. We are making it easier for individuals, entrepreneurs and businesses in Tutume and neighbouring villages to access the financial solutions they need to grow and prosper,” she said.
“We have supported clients in this area through our Bank on Wheels, CashPlus agents and digital channels, but establishing a permanent branch allows us to deliver a more comprehensive banking experience while strengthening relationships with clients and the local business community,” she said.
Tutume serves as a commercial and administrative centre for a large part of the Central District. The wider catchment area is estimated to have a population of about 165,000 people.
FNB expects the branch to serve both retail and small and medium-sized business clients while easing pressure on its Francistown branch, which currently supports customers from the city and surrounding villages.
The bank has previously served the area through its Bank on Wheels programme, CashPlus agents and digital platforms. Mogorosi said a permanent branch would allow the bank to provide a broader range of services and strengthen relationships with clients and local businesses.
“We have supported clients in this area through our Bank on Wheels, CashPlus agents and digital channels, but establishing a permanent branch allows us to deliver a more comprehensive banking experience while strengthening relationships with clients and the local business community,” she said.
The opening also reflects continuing efforts to improve financial inclusion in areas outside Botswana’s major urban centres.
“Our goal is not only to increase the bank’s footprint but to improve convenience, financial inclusion and client experience. We invite the people of Tutume and the surrounding areas to visit the new branch and discover how our solutions can help them achieve their personal and business ambitions,” Mogorosi said.
