Nangula Kauluma drives innovation and inclusive banking as a transformative leader in Namibia’s retail finance.
Nangula Kauluma is a respected figure in Namibia’s financial sector. She serves as the CEO of Retail Banking at FNB Namibia, bringing depth, direction, and decades of experience to her leadership role at the bank. Since 2019, she has been Executive Head of Retail Banking, demonstrating professional longevity and a consistent drive to make banking more accessible, inclusive, and innovative.
Kauluma’s path to this pivotal role was shaped by a solid track record in executive leadership across Africa’s banking and insurance landscape. Prior to joining FNB Namibia in 2018, she held senior positions in life and short-term insurance, as well as banking, across several African markets. Initially appointed as Executive Officer for Premium Banking at FNB Namibia, she soon took the helm at OUTsurance Namibia—later rebranded as FNB Insurance—before being elevated to lead the bank’s retail division.
Under her stewardship, FNB Namibia’s retail banking operations have embraced a more agile and customer-centric approach, in line with the bank’s broader restructuring strategy. The aim is to simplify operations and improve customer access by flattening organisational hierarchies and streamlining services.
Kauluma’s leadership credentials are underpinned by an MBA from Stellenbosch University and a board director certification from Duke University. She has also been honoured twice as Namibian Businesswoman of the Year, in 2017 and again in 2019, reflecting her consistent impact in a male-dominated industry.
Driving innovation and growth at FNB Namibia
FNB Namibia, a member of the FirstRand Namibia Group and listed on the Namibian Stock Exchange, offers a wide range of services through a growing network of branches, ATMs, and digital platforms. As a country’s leading financial institution, the bank has been a cornerstone of innovation and economic inclusion.
Since Nangula Kauluma assumed leadership of the retail division, FNB Namibia has continued to report solid growth. For the half-year ending December 2024, the bank posted an 11% increase in profits, rising to N$891 million (approximately $49 million). This growth was primarily driven by a 7.2% increase in active customers, now totalling 787,294, alongside an 8.3% jump in transaction volumes.
Among the initiatives introduced under her guidance is the FNB Senior Lifestyle Account, a fee-free product aimed at clients aged 55 and above. With no monthly maintenance fees or minimum deposit requirements, the account includes added benefits such as funeral cover and access to tailored investment products.
“As a bank, FNB Namibia is very serious about doing what matters and adding value for all clients, including continually looking for ways to make banking easier, safer, and more convenient,” Kauluma explains. “In the current economy, every customer should be looking at prudent money management, and right now, FNB believes that the FNB Senior Lifestyle Account is how we can best help our mature customers.”
The bank’s continued innovation and financial performance have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, The Banker, a Financial Times publication, named FNB Namibia the best bank in Namibia in recognition of its product excellence and financial strength.
Purpose + Efficiency + Inclusion
Kauluma’s leadership is defined by a strong emphasis on purpose-driven innovation and operational efficiency—qualities that align with global banking trends and local market needs. Her work continues to centre on improving access to financial services and making banking more inclusive for Namibians every day.
In an increasingly competitive retail banking sector, Nangula Kauluma is not just managing change—she is helping to shape the future of banking in Namibia.
