News

Namibia: Together we do better
Banking Week : Monday, January 01, 2007

Bank Windhoek understands that the provision of adequate information about how our bank operates and properly advising our clients on banking solutions, is necessary to strengthen our relationship with them, Furthermore, access to sufficient information about banking, products and services will assist clients to make well-informed decisions when seeking for a specific solution that will meet their particular banking needs. For this reason Bank Windhoek introduced a weekly column entitled Money Matters in 2006.

Last year, our shareholders took a bold step in acquiring Absa's 34.4 % stake in our holding company, Capricorn Investment Holdings (CHI) ensuring that Bank Windhoek remains Namibian controlled and owned. As an independent bank, Bank Windhoek is in a favorable position to develop innovative solutions and to make quick and local decisions, enabling us to respond to the needs of our clients.

Bank Windhoek has committed itself to continuously provide Namibians with world class products and channels. One of these channels, the newly launched CellPhone Banking is a first for Namibia. Bank Windhoek's CellPhone Banking provides for the most affordable banking in Namibia. Through this new channel, our clients are able to pay their bills, transfer money to family and friends, pay beneficiaries, do balance enquiries, view mini-statements, do airtime top-ups and pay their MTC accounts via their cell phone. Banking is now only a cell phone away and therefore our slogan, my bank in my hand.

Bank Windhoek has also worked extensively to develop unique accessible and affordable products such as EasySave, a low-cost account for lower income earners and EasyCredit, an unsecured loan facility for loans up to N$2500.

Through a partnership with ATM Solutions Namibia, Bank Windhoek is in the process of rolling out more than 150 Cash Express ATMs across Namibia during the next few months, making banking accessible even in the remotest parts of Namibia. This will increase our ATM network to more than 230 ATMs country wide.

During 2006 Bank Windhoek accelerated the roll out of banking services with the opening of community branches in Aranos, Aminius, Ongwediva and Oshakati-North. Namibians can look forward o more new branches opening in 2007.

Through the Bank Windhoek Social Investment Fund, and its sponsorship and donations programme, we will continue to invest in various projects ranging from health, to the arts, to education and job creation as a responsible corporate citizen.

Namibia is fortunate to host a banking sector that is well developed in terms of its institutional capacity and instruments. Although it is a very competitive environment; Bank Windhoek boasts together with advanced technology, a wide range of banking solutions, highly skilled and trained staff. Bank Windhoek is proud of its team of Corporate Banking, Treasury and International Banking Services experts who are well positioned to offer our clients world class service and advice. Through our loyal support of Bank Windhoek's stakeholders over the past 25 years we have truly demonstrated that, Together we do better.

Article courtesy of Banking Week