Muneer Ismail, CEO of Commercial and Corporate Banking
Johannesburg – FNB, WesBank and Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) have launched nav.energy, an integrated renewable energy platform aimed at helping South African businesses access, finance and implement energy solutions.
Announced on Tuesday, the platform brings together funding, technical expertise and delivery partners to offer businesses flexible options for managing energy costs and improving supply resilience.
“We have spent years building capabilities that work at scale for our own clients. This allows more businesses and consumers to access those same capabilities, in a way that is simple to use,” said Muneer Ismail, CEO of Commercial and Corporate Banking.
“We are focusing on energy because it is one of the most pressing issues facing South African businesses, and it is an area where we have deep experience,” he added.
The platform offers three main models: businesses can finance and own renewable energy systems, rent them with ownership transferring at the end of an agreed term, or pay for the energy they consume under a managed arrangement or power purchase agreement.
The initiative draws on RMB’s 14 years of experience supporting renewable energy projects in South Africa. The bank has provided more than R46 billion in lending to government-led programmes and private-sector initiatives.
As of June 30, 2025, renewable energy accounted for 76% of RMB’s R53.5 billion infrastructure lending and investment in South Africa.
The platform is now available to business, commercial and corporate customers, with household services planned for a later phase. Future enhancements are expected to include energy calculators, system-sizing tools and a supplier directory.
“Our ambition is to help South African businesses strengthen resilience, manage energy costs and pursue their sustainability goals with confidence,” Ismail said.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: Supplied
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
