FNB Eswatini used the 2026 MTN Bushfire Festival as a strategic platform to accelerate digital banking adoption and promote cashless transactions among thousands of festivalgoers who descended on House on Fire over the weekend.
As the festival’s official banking partner, the bank invested E437 500 and rolled out a range of financial services aimed at ensuring seamless and secure transactions while encouraging customers to embrace digital payment solutions.
The bank’s sponsorship enabled it to play a key role in facilitating seamless transactions at the internationally acclaimed festival, which attracted thousands of local and international visitors to House on Fire in Malkerns over the weekend.
As the official banking partner, FNB Eswatini deployed onsite automated teller machines (ATMs), speedpoint devices and technical support teams to ensure smooth and convenient payment solutions for festivalgoers. The initiative formed part of the bank’s broader strategy to promote digital banking and cashless transactions while improving customer convenience.
The bank also hosted a gaming-themed activation area linked to its ongoing ‘Get in the Game’ swipe campaign, providing customers with entertainment and opportunities to win prizes while interacting with FNB products and services.
FNB Eswatini Chief Marketing Officer Sibusile Dlamini said the bank remained committed to creating memorable experiences for customers beyond traditional banking.
“As the bank of firsts, we are always thinking about ways in which we can elevate the experiences of our customers and make them memorable.
“Throughout the Bushfire weekend, our teams assisted customers with account opening, accessing selected banking services, including online banking as well as card assistance,” said Dlamini.
She said the partnership with MTN Bushfire provided an opportunity for the bank to connect directly with customers while showcasing its digital banking solutions.
Dlamini noted that the bank believes in meeting customers where they are and ensuring that every interaction added value to their banking journey.
“We are excited to host our customers through a game-themed activation. We believe in meeting our customers where they are while making all interactions memorable,” she said.
To further enhance engagement, the bank introduced a range of interactive activities at its activation stand. These included a Spin-and-Win challenge, a penalty shootout competition and a gaming booth experience, all aimed at creating excitement among festival attendees.
Visitors also enjoyed complimentary refreshments through a slushie and popcorn bar, which attracted both the young and older festivalgoers throughout the weekend.
Dlamini explained that customers were able to access the full activation experience by simply tapping their FNB cards when reloading their festival wristbands, reinforcing the bank’s drive towards digital and contactless payment solutions.
Beyond entertainment, FNB’s presence at the festival highlighted the growing role of financial institutions in supporting major tourism and cultural events that contribute to economic activity.
With thousands of visitors attending MTN Bushfire annually, FNB’s continued investment demonstrates the private sector’s confidence in the festival’s value as a platform for business visibility, customer engagement and economic growth.
