FNB, VISA launch major campaign

Reward digital payments ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

‘MAKERESEMESE LETUKA

MASERU – In a strategic move to accelerate the adoption of digital financial services, FNB Lesotho has unveiled an ambitious customer rewards programme, “Get in the Game,” in partnership with global payments giant VISA.

The campaign, timed to coincide with the global excitement building toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup, aims to reward Basotho for choosing secure and convenient digital transactions over cash.

Running from April 30 to July 31, the competition incentivizes everyday banking behaviours. Customers who utilize their FNB VISA cards for purchases – whether tapping for groceries or swiping for fuel – will stand a chance to win a variety of weekly and monthly prizes, courtesy of VISA.

“Our partnership with VISA is a testament to our commitment to making everyday banking simpler, safer, and more rewarding for our customers,” said Delekazi Mokebe, CEO of FNB Lesotho.

“As excitement builds for the FIFA World Cup 2026, we are delighted to bring a competition that not only elevates digital payment experiences but also gives our customers a chance to win incredible prizes, simply by choosing the way they make payments.”

The official launch took place last week Friday at the Kick4Life premises, marking the beginning of a three-month drive to move Lesotho toward a cashless economy.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be a landmark event in sports history, providing the backdrop for this financial services drive. For the first time, the tournament will be hosted by three nations – the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The expanded competition will feature a record 48 teams playing 104 matches across 16 host cities, including major metropolitan hubs like New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium), Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium), Atlanta, Dallas and Toronto. The tournament is set to kick off on June 11, 2026, with the final scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

While the World Cup brings a global spirit of football to fans worldwide, the cost of attendance remains a barrier for many. Recent reports indicate that the cheapest realistic category for a group-stage ticket – after service fees is M2 600 (approximately $160), a figure that represents more than half of the average monthly salary in Lesotho.

FNB’s campaign, therefore, offers a local alternative to experience the thrill of the tournament without the prohibitive travel costs.

The “Get in the Game” campaign is structured to reward consistent, daily use of digital rails. According to the bank’s strategy, customers who use their FNB Lesotho VISA cards during the promotional period will be entered into draws for:

• Weekly Prizes: Starting June 1, 2026, winners will receive practical rewards including petrol vouchers, paraffin vouchers, and cash prizes.
• Monthly Giveaways: High-value draws will take place monthly, offering a three-month salary pay-out, substantial grocery vouchers, and cash bonuses.

This initiative is not merely a customer acquisition tool but a concerted effort to shift consumer behaviour away from cash handling.

“This competition is designed with our customers at heart,” said Nthabeleng Khoali, Head of Retail at FNB Lesotho.

“We want to encourage effortless and secure payments while giving our customers more value through weekly and monthly rewards. Whether it’s buying groceries, filling up, or making everyday purchases, using an FNB VISA card could be their ticket to life-changing prizes.”

While much of the focus is on the consumer, FNB is also targeting merchants to ensure the ecosystem supports the increased volume of digital transactions. The bank is urging local businesses to utilize FNB Speed Points to accept card payments, thereby benefiting from the increased foot traffic of customers looking to enter the competition.

Pontšo Khalane, FNB Strategy and Business Development Manager, emphasized the global utility of the cards.

“Wherever you are across the world, think of your FNB card as your first choice of payment, because it gives you convenience not the cost of carrying cash.”

By encouraging businesses to adopt Point-of-Sale (POS) technology, FNB aims to reduce the friction of cash dependency – such as security risks and logistical costs – while ensuring local vendors are not excluded from the spending surge typically associated with major global sporting events.

As a global leader in digital payments, VISA’s involvement underscores a long-term commitment to financial inclusion in Southern Africa. VISA has a history of leveraging major sporting events to drive digitization, using the emotional connection of football to introduce consumers to the safety and efficiency of tap-to-pay technology.

The partnership with FNB Lesotho represents a milestone in promoting digital payment adoption within the region. By rewarding loyalty and everyday transactions, the collaboration continues the bank’s strategy of empowering Basotho through innovation, convenience, and meaningful value.

As the world prepares for the biggest sporting event of 2026, FNB Lesotho encourages all customers to tap or swipe their cards for everyday purchases to increase their chances of winning amazing prizes, courtesy of VISA.