In January this year, three young Mozambicans began a journey of professional development through the FNB Young Talent Development Programme, launched by FNB Mozambique. This programme aims to identify, attract and train local young talent for a successful career in the banking sector, with a focus on innovation, technology and a deep understanding of the financial market. The 12-month initiative was implemented by the FirstRand Group and covers several of the bank’s subsidiaries in countries such as Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini and Zambia.
The first edition of the programme selected three young graduates aged between 23 and 29. Emerson Tivane, Agostinho Massango and Niels Achimo, who hold degrees in Computer Engineering and Data Science, were selected from more than 300 candidates who underwent a rigorous selection process, which included interviews, aptitude tests and group dynamics. For these young people, the opportunity to join FNB is an important milestone in their careers, offering them a unique platform for professional growth.
The initiative goes far beyond practical training in the banking sector, providing graduates with international experience. During the first part of the programme, the young people took part in an event in South Africa, where they had the opportunity to interact with recent graduates from other countries, thus broadening their perspectives and acquiring valuable knowledge about the banking sector.
Niels Achimo, one of the graduates, highlighted the importance of this exchange of experiences, saying he was ‘very grateful for the opportunity to participate in this journey. When we had the opportunity to go to South Africa to interact with colleagues from other subsidiaries, it was very good for me. I want to make the most of this opportunity to develop not only my technical skills but also my personal abilities,’ he said.
Graduates’ objectives and expectations for the programme
The main aim of the FNB Young Talent Development Programme is to prepare graduates to work in various areas of banking, such as finance, risk management and technological innovation. The programme seeks not only to train professionals, but also to bring new perspectives to the institution. Agostinho Massango, another graduate, highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and team learning during the induction in South Africa. ‘It was a very professional experience. The exchange with other colleagues was very interesting because I learned that we must work on our personal skills and create our own brand. As for my expectations of the programme, I hope to grow as a professional and learn as much as I can about banking, while also applying the knowledge I gained during my studies.’
The impact that graduates can have within FNB is not limited to the learning they will acquire, but also to the new ideas they can bring to the institution
FNB’s strategy and technological innovation combined with graduates
One of FNB Mozambique’s goals is to expand its presence and interact more efficiently with its customers, considering the growing digitalisation of banking. That is why the programme places special emphasis on technology and digital innovation, in line with the bank’s strategy to adapt to new market trends.
Emerson Tivane, for his part, highlighted his desire to contribute to improvements in FNB’s banking processes, focusing on the customer experience. ‘Sometimes we see customers complaining about bank services, especially when opening accounts or visiting branches to make deposits. This is not because banks do not offer good services, but because of the processes involved behind these operations. However, I always believe that we can improve, and I hope to do so. For example, in the account opening process, we can develop ways to speed up the process and thus enhance the customer experience,’ said the young man.
According to Melba Nhamithambo, FNB’s Human Capital Director, to ensure a better understanding of how the banking sector works and to provide practical exposure, graduates will spend time in various areas of the bank, including the branches. As is customary in the sector, ‘banking starts at the branches,’ so in the first two weeks of the programme, graduates were challenged to go through this fundamental stage. They had the experience of interacting directly with customers, understanding the processes of opening accounts and other essential banking services. ‘This experience at the counters is crucial for them to gain a complete picture of how banking operations work, preparing them to face the challenges of the sector in a more informed and efficient manner.’
The contribution of graduates to the future of FNB
The impact that graduates can have within FNB is not limited to the learning they will acquire, but also to the new ideas they can bring to the institution. Niels Achimo, for example, believes that his fresh and inquisitive perspective can contribute significantly to the bank’s evolution.
‘Whenever I see something for the first time, I try to question and identify things that perhaps people who have been at the bank longer have not been able to detect. This makes me believe that I can contribute with my ideas, proposing new ways of doing things to further improve the dynamics and quality of the services provided by the bank,’ concluded the young man.
The FNB Young Talent Development programme is a platform for young Mozambican talent seeking to stand out and develop careers in the banking sector, especially in a market increasingly marked by new technologies.
With the support of FNB, graduates are being prepared to contribute to the bank’s evolution, bringing new ideas and perspectives and a vision guided by innovation.
