First National Bank has launched a new Digital Enablement Programme (DEP) aimed at equipping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the tools and capabilities needed to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.
The 18-month initiative comes amid growing concerns that many SMEs risk falling behind as rapid technological change reshapes industries and business models globally.
According to the bank, the programme is designed not just to help businesses adopt digital tools, but to enable a full transformation in how they operate, compete, and grow in a tech-driven marketplace.
With a client base of over 1.2 million SMEs across South Africa, FNB said the programme draws on extensive data and market insights, as well as partnerships with implementation experts like Edge Growth, to deliver targeted support tailored to specific industries.
The initiative will focus on sectors undergoing rapid disruption, including manufacturing, logistics, construction, infrastructure, and the green economy.
Speaking on the launch, SME Business Development Support Manager at FNB, Palesa Moeletsi, stressed that digital transformation is no longer optional for businesses seeking to remain competitive.
“Technology is fundamentally changing how value is created. For SMEs, the challenge goes beyond adopting digital tools—it requires rethinking entire business models,” she said.
Bridging the Digital Gap
FNB noted that while digital adoption offers significant growth opportunities, many SMEs still face barriers such as limited technical skills, high implementation costs, infrastructure gaps, and restricted access to finance.
To address these challenges, the DEP will focus on three key pillars:
- Access to Skills: Building digital and operational capabilities for effective technology adoption
- Access to Market: Enhancing online visibility and integration into digital supply chains
- Access to Funding: Supporting access to financing for software and hardware upgrades
Through diagnostics, workshops, expert advisory, and hands-on implementation, participating businesses will receive tailored support to embed digital strategies into their operations.
Driving Long-Term Growth
FNB emphasised that the programme goes beyond short-term digitisation, aiming instead to build resilient, future-ready enterprises capable of adapting to ongoing disruption.
“Businesses that fail to evolve risk becoming uncompetitive. Our goal is to equip SMEs with the tools and confidence to transition successfully into the digital economy,” Moeletsi added.
The initiative forms part of the bank’s broader enterprise development strategy, which seeks to strengthen SME competitiveness, boost job creation, and support inclusive economic growth.
Analysts say programmes like DEP could play a critical role in closing the digital divide and unlocking the full potential of SMEs as key drivers of innovation and economic expansion.
