ECOBANK SPONSORS BMT 2025 AWARDS AS PRIME MINISTER COMMENDS PRIVATE SECTOR’S ROLE IN SPORTS DEVELOPMENT

The Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Mwigulu Lameck Nchemba, speaking with leaders and various guests during the 2025 BMT Awards ceremony held at The Super Dome in Masaki, Dar es Salaam.

The Managing Director of Ecobank Tanzania, Dr. Charles Asiedu, announcing the winner of the Best Male Referee of the Year Award during the 2025 BMT Awards held at The Super Dome in Masaki, Dar es Salaam.

The Managing Director of Ecobank Tanzania, Dr. Charles Asiedu (right), presenting the Best Male Referee of the Year Award to Shabani Mahobonya (left) during the 2025 BMT Awards held at The Super Dome in Masaki, Dar es Salaam.

Dar es Salaam, 9 May 2026; The Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Mwigulu Lameck Nchemba, officiated the 2025 National Sports Council (BMT) Awards ceremony, which recognized athletes and teams that excelled during the year. The event aimed to celebrate the contributions and achievements of stakeholders in Tanzania’s sports sector.

Speaking during the ceremony as the Guest of Honour, Dr. Nchemba expressed sincere appreciation and gratitude to Ecobank Tanzania for its significant sponsorship support toward the prestigious sports event.

Dr. Nchemba said collaboration between Government and the private sector continues to serve as a catalyst for sports development in the country. He commended Ecobank Tanzania for demonstrating genuine commitment in supporting the talents of Tanzanian athletes. He noted that the sponsorship had elevated the status of the awards and provided motivation for athletes to continue performing well in both national and international competitions.

The Prime Minister further stated that the sports sector has recorded major achievements within a short period, including the establishment of the Sports Development Fund, which receives five percent of revenues generated from sports betting activities. He said the initiative has enabled teams and athletes to participate in more competitions with improved standards and quality. He emphasized that contributions from stakeholders such as Ecobank Tanzania continue to support the Government’s efforts to strengthen the sports sector and nurture young talents across the country.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Ecobank Tanzania, Dr. Charles Asiedu, said the bank is proud to support the Government’s efforts in recognizing and promoting sports talent in Tanzania through the National Sports Council (BMT) Awards — an event that celebrates excellence, dedication, and the outstanding achievements of Tanzania’s sporting heroes.

Dr. Asiedu stated that through the awards, Ecobank sponsored the category for the Best Male Referee of the Year Award, aimed at recognizing and encouraging emerging talent within the sports sector. He added that the bank will continue collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure talented youth receive motivation and a conducive environment to achieve their ambitions.

“Ecobank Group is a leading pan-African banking group with the widest network across Africa, operating in more than 33 countries. In Tanzania, Ecobank provides a wide range of banking services to individual customers as well as small, medium, and large businesses,” said Dr. Asiedu.

The bank has continued to encourage Tanzanians to utilize its services through branches, agents, and ATMs located in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Mwanza to access modern and efficient banking services. In addition, Ecobank offers digital banking services through Ecobank Mobile, enabling customers to access various services including account opening, bill payments, salary advances for employees, and loans for public servants.

Together, the Government and private sector stakeholders continue to nurture talent, inspire communities, and empower the next generation through sports.