ABSA BANK SEES GLOBAL VOLATILITY AS A CATALYST FOR TANZANIAN COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

Corporate Banking Director at Absa Bank Tanzania, Ms. Nellyana Mmanyi, addresses participants during a meeting organized for senior business leaders. The session focused on translating global economic volatility into strategic opportunities for Tanzanian enterprises. The event was held in Dar es Salaam today.

Corporate Banking Director at Absa Bank Tanzania, Ms. Nellyana Mmanyi (second left), engages in conversation with some participants during a meeting organized by the financial institution for senior business leaders.

Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Absa Bank Tanzania, Mr. Aron Luhanga (center), shares a light moment with some participants during a meeting organized by the financial institution for senior business leaders.

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, April 7, 2026 — Absa Bank Tanzania has said growing uncertainty in the global economy could present a significant opportunity for Tanzania to strengthen its competitive position and unlock new business growth.

The remarks were made during an exclusive breakfast engagement for senior business leaders held in Dar es Salaam, where executives and economists discussed how Tanzanian businesses can navigate global economic volatility and transform emerging risks into strategic opportunities.

The high-level forum brought together macroeconomic experts from Absa Group in South Africa alongside local specialists to analyse the global economic outlook and identify practical strategies for businesses facing uncertainty driven by geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, climate change disruptions, and volatility in financial markets.

Speaking during the event, Absa Bank Tanzania Corporate Banking Director, Nellyana Mmanyi, said uncertainty has become a permanent feature of the global operating environment and businesses must adapt strategically to remain competitive.

“Volatility is no longer a temporary phase in the global economy; it is a structural reality,” said Ms. Nellyana. “The real differentiator for businesses today is the ability to convert uncertainty into competitive advantage. For Tanzania, this moment calls for informed leadership, strategic agility, and partnerships that combine global insight with local execution.”

During the discussions, the Absa Group Research team presented a detailed macroeconomic outlook highlighting the interconnected forces reshaping both global and African economies. The analysis examined the impact of geopolitical tensions on energy markets and inflation, rising interest rates and debt sustainability concerns, as well as the increasing influence of climate change on food security and social stability.

The experts noted that Africa’s dependence on imports, limited fiscal buffers, and exposure to global financial conditions continue to intensify economic pressures across the continent. However, they also pointed to emerging opportunities for economies capable of responding strategically to changing global conditions.

Focusing on Tanzania, the briefing highlighted the country’s economic resilience, stable monetary environment, positive GDP growth trajectory relative to regional peers, and strategic location amid shifting global trade and energy flows, including developments linked to the Middle East.

“Tanzania continues to demonstrate strong fundamentals in an increasingly complex world,” Ms. Nellyana said. “With the right strategic responses, global disruptions can open new pathways for investment, trade, and long-term growth.”

The session also explored practical business solutions aimed at strengthening operational resilience. Specialists from Absa’s Trade Finance and Global Markets divisions presented frameworks designed to help businesses protect supply chains, optimise working capital, and manage risks related to currency fluctuations, interest rates, and market volatility.

Phumelele Mbiyo, Senior Macroeconomist at Absa Group, stressed the importance of execution in the current economic climate.

“Insight without action leaves value unrealised. Our role at Absa is to partner with clients beyond financing — providing the tools, expertise, and confidence required to make informed decisions even in uncertain conditions,” Mbiyo said.

The engagement reaffirmed Absa’s commitment to its purpose of “Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together… one story at a time,” reflecting the bank’s continued focus on supporting Tanzanian businesses through research-driven insights, specialist expertise, and long-term partnerships.

For Tanzania’s corporate sector, the discussions underscored an important message: while global volatility continues to reshape markets and industries, businesses that remain agile, informed, and strategically positioned could emerge stronger in the evolving economic landscape.

Senior Macroeconomist at Absa Group, Mr. Phumelele Mbiyo, responds to questions from participants during a meeting organized by Absa Bank Tanzania for senior business leaders.

Head of Markets Sales at Absa Bank Tanzania, Ms. Elisia Temu, speaks during a meeting organized by the financial institution for senior business leaders.

Corporate Banking Director at Absa Bank Tanzania Ms. Nellyana Mmanyi (second right), Director of Financial Markets, Ms. Irene Rwegalulira (second left), Retail Banking Director, Ms. Ndabu Swere (third left), pictured with some participants during a meeting organized by the financial institution for senior business leaders.