NMB BANK PLEDGES STRONGER SUPPORT FOR TANZANIA’S TOURISM SECTOR

Arusha – NMB Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with key business stakeholders in Arusha, particularly within the tourism sector, to boost efficiency, increase revenue, and enhance Tanzania’s global economic contribution.

Speaking at a dinner event that brought together over 100 top business leaders from the Arusha region, NMB Bank Chief Executive Officer Ruth Zaipuna emphasized Arusha’s pivotal role in tourism and commerce. She noted that the bank is keen to work closely with local entrepreneurs to ensure continued growth and sustainability.

“One of our core responsibilities is to support the growth and sustainability of your businesses. NMB continues to innovate financial products and services tailored to address your challenges—from affordable loans and cutting-edge digital technologies to simplified payment systems,” Zaipuna said.

According to Bank of Tanzania, the tourism sector remains the country’s leading source of foreign exchange, attracting 5.3 million tourists and generating over USD 4 billion in revenue, firmly positioning Tanzania among Africa’s top tourism destinations. Zaipuna underscored the critical role of the private sector, especially Arusha-based entrepreneurs, in achieving these milestones.

She further encouraged business owners to provide feedback on the bank’s services and propose new product ideas to help NMB develop solutions that address their evolving needs.

NMB’s Chief Officer for Retail and Business Banking, Filbert Mponzi, highlighted the bank’s financial strength, noting that with assets exceeding TZS 4 trillion, NMB can offer individual clients loans of up to TZS 600 billion.

“This demonstrates our strong capacity to deliver comprehensive financial solutions, including investment loans, digital payments, insurance services, and financial advisory,” Mponzi said.

He added that this financial stability has earned NMB the title of Tanzania’s safest bank for three consecutive years, as well as 11 wins in the past 13 years for the Best Bank in Tanzania award by international financial publication Euromoney.

Focus on Tourism-Specific Services

Mponzi further explained that NMB offers loans for the development of hospitality businesses, construction of luxury camps and tents, acquisition of tourist transport vehicles, and installment-based equipment financing—all at competitive interest rates.

One of the attending entrepreneurs, Frank Kileo, commended NMB for its proactive engagement with the business community:

“Your bank continues to lead despite intense market competition, which gives us, your clients, confidence and a sense of security. We encourage you to keep strengthening your position.”

NMB’s Northern Zone Manager, Baraka Ladislaus, noted that the event was designed to listen to business owners’ challenges, gather feedback on services, and educate them on new offerings—including payment technologies, innovative cards, and travel, health, cargo, and trip insurance products.