STANBIC BANK TANZANIA COMMITS TZS 200 MILLION TO FAHARI YA ZANZIBAR 2026

From left: Tahir Mussa, Acting Deputy Director General of TanTrade; Juma Burhan, Executive Director of ZEEA; and Fatma Ahmed, Head of Enterprise Banking at Stanbic Bank Tanzania, during a press conference in Zanzibar to announce the partnership.

ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA – SEPTEMBER 2, 2026: Stanbic Bank Tanzania has committed TZS 200 million to support Fahari ya Zanzibar 2026, reinforcing its partnership with Zanzibar and its commitment to supporting businesses, entrepreneurs and communities across the Isles.

The third edition of Fahari ya Zanzibar will be held from September 4 to 14, 2026, at Maisara Grounds in Zanzibar under the theme “Bidhaa Zetu Ndio Fahari Yetu,” meaning “Our Products Are Our Pride.”

The festival is organised by the Zanzibar Economic Empowerment Agency and is expected to attract more than 15,000 visitors and over 300 exhibitors.

Fahari ya Zanzibar will bring together entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), investors, financial institutions, government agencies and members of the public, providing a platform to showcase locally produced goods and services, establish business connections and enhance access to financial and business development services.

The Grand Launch, scheduled for Saturday, September 5, is expected to be officiated by H.E. Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council.

STANBIC TO CONNECT BUSINESSES WITH FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS

As a Platinum Sponsor, Stanbic Bank Tanzania will use its presence at the festival to connect entrepreneurs and businesses with practical financial solutions designed to support business growth.

Among the solutions to be showcased are trade solutions including CIPS and the Africa China Corridor, Biashara Exchange, guarantees and supply chain solutions, as well as agribusiness solutions, Vehicle and Asset Finance and digital solutions such as TXB, Lipa, Pokea and Agency Banking.

The Stanbic Biashara Incubator will also participate in the festival, bringing business development support closer to entrepreneurs and SMEs.

The Incubator team will engage entrepreneurs on areas including financial management, access to finance, business growth and market opportunities, helping businesses strengthen their capabilities and position themselves for sustainable growth.

SUPPORTING ZANZIBAR’S ENTREPRENEURIAL COMMUNITY

Speaking on the partnership, Fatma Ahmed, Head of Enterprise Banking at Stanbic Bank Tanzania, said the Bank's involvement reflects its ambition to play a practical role in Zanzibar's economic development.

“Fahari ya Zanzibar celebrates the entrepreneurs, businesses and locally produced goods that are contributing to Zanzibar’s growth. Our role goes beyond providing financial solutions. We want to help businesses build the knowledge, connections and capabilities they need to grow, compete and access new opportunities.”

She added that through its financial solutions and the Stanbic Biashara Incubator, the Bank is bringing business support directly to entrepreneurs participating in the festival.

ONE YEAR OF STANBIC’S PRESENCE IN ZANZIBAR

The sponsorship comes as Stanbic Bank Tanzania marks one year of its presence in Zanzibar, during which it has continued building relationships with individuals, entrepreneurs and businesses while supporting their participation in the wider Tanzanian, regional and international economy.

Fahari ya Zanzibar 2026 will feature dedicated programmes focusing on youth, innovation, tourism and arts, Made in Zanzibar products, business formalisation, community wellness and economic inclusion.

The programme will also provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to interact with financial institutions, investors and potential buyers.

Stanbic Bank Tanzania is expected to participate in public and media engagements throughout the festival, providing an additional platform to raise awareness of the financial and business support available to Zanzibar’s growing entrepreneurial community.

ABOUT STANBIC BANK TANZANIA

Stanbic Bank Tanzania is a provider of financial services offering banking solutions to individuals, businesses and institutions.

The Bank focuses on sustainable investment and strategic partnerships and plays a role in supporting Tanzania’s economic development and regional integration.

Stanbic Bank Tanzania is a member of Standard Bank Group, Africa’s largest bank by assets, with a presence in 21 countries across the continent. Through this network, the Bank connects Tanzania to Africa’s growth opportunities and global financial markets.

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