[INTERVIEW] – FBNBank supports and finances growth-oriented economic activities in the DR Congo. She puts all her expertise and 125 years of experience to provide banking solutions tailored to the needs of its diverse clientele for the development of their projects. This bank is sponsoring the fifth edition of the Makutano International Forum.

Zoom Eco met with its managing director, Akeem Oladele who deigned to answer the four questions asked. Below, the interview:

Zoom Eco. What are the reasons for FBNBank to participate in the 5th edition of the Makutano Forum?

Akeem Oladele: As part of its overall strategy to stimulate business conversations and the promotion of business and economic partnerships in the DRC, FBNBank is taking part in the various forums that are being organized across the country. It is for this reason that we are present, as a sponsor of the Makutano Forum, from the beginning. As a premier banking institution, we strongly believe that it is important for both private and public institutions and funding institutions to come together to come up with solutions that will contribute to the growth of the DRC.

As you know, FBNBank is a subsidiary of First Bank of Nigeria Ltd, a 125-year-old financial institution that has always contributed to the development of nations through financing solutions, proven leadership in term good governance practices but also a major contribution in terms of lobbying for the adoption of laws for the development of the banking sector.

It was therefore more than obvious that our bank is still participating in Makutano 5. Thus last July we invited in Lagos, the leaders of the telecom companies, the regulatory authorities as well as the adviser to the head of the Digital State to discuss ways to develop FINTECH in the DRC.

ZE: « Boosting the growth and competitiveness of the DRC », is the central theme for Makutano 2019. What message does your bank hope to convey about this topic to participants from around the world?

AO: Our message is clear, FBNBank remains committed to supporting the growth of the DR Congo in the best way we can by guiding our customers and offering them tailored solutions that help grow their business.

We have different solutions that allow our customers to focus on what is really important: « their business ». Whether they are individuals, small and medium-sized businesses or large companies in the private or public sector, we have a solution that suits them.

From the financing of a purchase order to the provision of guarantees and bank guarantees or bill discount and many other financing solutions; we can support the various players in Congolese economic life.

Our promise is to consistently deliver excellence in financial services and experience, while placing clients at the heart of our business.

ZE: What are the innovative offers that FBNBank offers to both private and state-owned clients to finance the country’s economy?

AO: Thanks to our expertise and our long experience, we have acquired the mastery of sector risk analysis which allows us to propose financing solutions in relation to the different business sectors, which allows us to propose solutions for financing in relation to the different business sectors: special credits, salary advances, car loans, purchase order financing, discounted billing, clearance credits, etc.

FBNBank is eager to be able to support the business development of its customers, has set up a financing development program specific to Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) which covers the purchase order financing, the granting of sureties and guarantees banking, bill discount; but also the FirstEdu, ready to finance Schools, University Institutes and Universities.

For large companies, we recognize that their financing needs are very high. That is why we do not hesitate to use our international network through FBN UK especially in order to be able to set up financing solutions that are adapted to them, our financing capacity is not limited and that while respecting the Central Bank’s regulation that a bank can not lend more than 25% of its own funds to a single client.

For individuals / employees, we provide financing solutions such as payday loans and personal loans for pay. We also have solutions designed for prominent personalities requiring tailor-made solutions for investing their assets.

We remain committed to becoming in the DRC what FirstBank / FBNBank is in Nigeria – a tremendous institution that contributes significantly to nation-building. That’s why our financing products are designed to take into account all the needs of our clients and to guide our financing offers according to their needs while taking into account the risks by sector of activity.

La FBNBank DRC SA est sponsor officiel de la 5ème édition du Makutano, les décideurs et opérateurs économiques se retrouvent pour discuter des façons de booster la croissance et la compétitivité de la RDC. #Makutano5 #RDCongo #Banqueengagée #FBNBankDRC #Croissanceeconomique pic.twitter.com/3Meq1kWV6F

— FBNBank DRC SA (@FBNBankRDC) September 6, 2019

ZE: Your bank’s appreciation of the Makutano initiative, which is in its fifth year.

AO: For FBNBank, one of the main attractions of Makutano is that it allows companies like ours to participate in forums for reflection on business development issues in the DRC since its inception. It is also an opportunity to increase participants’ networking by building new business relationships. And then we must recognize that the communication that is made around this event is large, important and world-class, it gives visibility to partner companies.

Interviewed Agnès KAYEMBE