NMB DONATES MEDICAL & EDUCATIONAL SUPPLIES IN GEITA AND KAGERA

NMB Bank, in the Lake Zone, has made a significant contribution to the health and education sectors by donating medical supplies to Chato Regional Hospital and educational materials to four schools in Chato, Geita Region, as well as two schools in Muleba, Kagera Region, totaling over 37 million Tanzanian Shillings.

The supplies were presented by NMB Lake Zone Manager, Faraja Ng’ingo, during two separate phases, with the first phase taking place at Mkuyuni Primary School in Chato District.

Among the educational materials donated were 150 desks, 50 chairs and tables, and three computers delivered to Chato District. Additionally, Kaigara and Biija Primary Schools in Muleba District received 200 sheets of iron and wheel chairs to disabled students.

During the donation ceremony, Ng’ingo emphasized the bank’s commitment to giving back to the community as part of its corporate social responsibility, stating that they aim to share a portion of their profits with the communities they serve.

The donations included 150 desks for Itale, Mkuyuni, and Rumasi schools, while Rubambagwe School received 50 chairs and tables, along with three computers for Rumasi School. In the healthcare sector, Chato Regional Hospital received 10 beds with mattresses, 10 wheelchairs for patients, and 10 blood pressure monitoring machines.

“For several years, we have been providing support to the community, particularly in education and health sectors, and during disasters such as floods and fires, we have made contributions as part of our commitment to social responsibility,” stated Ng’ingo.

NATIONAL LOTTERY OF TANZANIA PARTNERS WITH MIXX BY YAS AHEAD OF HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED LAUNCH

Dar es Salaam, 28th February 2025 – The National Lottery of Tanzania has announced a strategic partnership with Mixx by Yas, marking a significant move to strengthen its market presence and drive nationwide awareness ahead of its highly anticipated debut.

The partnership with Mixx by Yas is expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring Yas customers are ready to purchase lottery tickets once the National Lottery of Tanzania goes live. Leveraging Yas Tanzania’s extensive customer base of over 23 million users, the collaboration will integrate seamless ticket purchase options through Yas digital platforms, including mobile money services, USSD codes, and the Mixx by Yas App.

Additionally, Yas customers will benefit from real-time updates, promotions, and exclusive content related to the National Lottery. This partnership is also set to simplify the customer journey by allowing users to buy tickets and claim winnings through familiar and trusted channels, enhancing convenience and accessibility across the country.

Speaking at the Press Briefing in Dar es Salaam today, Mr. Kelvin Koka, Director at ITHUBA Tanzania—the officially appointed operator of the National Lottery for an eight-year period—emphasized the importance of leveraging reputable brands for a successful launch:

“The National Lottery of Tanzania is designed to be a national asset that delivers value, entertainment, and economic benefits to the people of Tanzania. Our partnership with Mixx by Yas underscores our commitment to collaborating with respected organizations that share our vision. Together, we will create an inclusive and accessible National Lottery experience for all Tanzanians.”

Ms. Angelica Pesha, Chief Officer of Mixx by Yas, also shared her enthusiasm:

“We are excited to be part of this transformative initiative. The National Lottery of Tanzania presents a unique opportunity to engage Tanzanians in an innovative way. By leveraging our digital platforms and financial solutions, we will ensure that our customers have easy and secure access to the National Lottery of Tanzania services. At Yas, we believe in supporting platforms that promote growth and innovation, and we look forward to contributing to the success of this groundbreaking launch.”

The collaboration between the National Lottery of Tanzania and Mixx by Yas is expected to revolutionize how Tanzanians participate in lottery activities. By combining Yas Tanzania’s robust digital infrastructure and customer engagement strategies with the National Lottery of Tanzania’s wide-reaching appeal, the partnership will expand access to lottery services, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas.

The integration of lottery services into Yas Tanzania’s platforms will make purchasing tickets and accessing lottery-related content more convenient for millions of Tanzanians. This strategic move is anticipated to amplify outreach efforts, boost public interest, and ensure widespread participation across diverse demographic groups.

As preparations for the official launch continue, this partnership is positioned to set a new benchmark for digital-led lottery engagement in Tanzania.

Amini. Cheza. Ushinde.

TANZANIA BOOSTS GOLD RESERVES WITH DOMESTIC PURCHASE PROGRAMME

In a strategic move to bolster its gold reserves and stabilize the national economy, Tanzania has implemented a comprehensive domestic gold purchase program. Tanzania's central bank, the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has allocated one trillion shillings (approximately $400 million) for this initiative, aiming to acquire six metric tons of gold annually. ​

BoT has acquired two tonnes of gold since July 2024 as part of this domestic gold purchase programme, which targets six tonnes annually. The initiative, launched in October 2024, aims to diversify foreign exchange reserves and support the Tanzanian shilling.

BoT Financial Analyst Dunga Nginilla highlighted that initial challenges, such as excessive documentation and bureaucracy, slowed progress. However, reforms—including streamlined procedures, reduced paperwork, and new legislative measures—have boosted participation. The BoT now offers world market prices, full payments within 24 hours of refining, and covers refining costs, making it attractive for sellers.

Additionally, effective October 1, 2024, the Tanzania Mining Commission mandated that all mining firms and gold traders exporting the precious metal must reserve at least 20% of their production for sale to the central bank. This initiative not only aims to enhance the central bank's gold reserves but also seeks to empower local miners by providing them with a reliable and lucrative market. This directive is part of the newly enacted mining law designed to diversify and strengthen the BoT's foreign reserves amid pressures on the local currency, the shilling.

Incentives such as reduced royalty fees (from 6% to 4%), exemption from a 1% inspection fee, and zero-rated VAT further increase profitability for miners. Additionally, the government has allocated 250 billion shillings ($100 million) as part of a loan guarantee scheme to support mineral buyers, especially small-scale miners.

As Africa’s fourth-largest gold producer, Tanzania is experiencing growth in gold production, reaching 60 metric tonnes in 2024, up from 55 metric tonnes in 2023.

By strengthening its gold reserves, Tanzania aims to mitigate economic disruptions, stabilize the national currency, and reduce reliance on foreign currencies. This strategic reserve serves as a safeguard against global economic fluctuations, ensuring long-term economic stability and growth for the nation.

CALL FOR PAPERS: FIRST ANNUAL TBA BANKING RESEARCH CONFERENCE, JULY 2025

We are thrilled to announce the 1st Annual Tanzania Bankers Association (TBA) Banking Research Conference this July 2025!

Calling all researchers! Submit your proposals on the theme:

"Macroeconomic Dynamics and Sustainability in the Tanzanian Banking Sector: Innovations, Challenges, and Policy Implications for Inclusive Growth."

Deadline: 31st March 2025

Be part of shaping the future of Tanzania’s banking sector! Stay tuned for more details.

MWANZA-ISAKA SGR CONSTRUCTION REACHES 63% COMPLETION IN TANZANIA

As of February 2025, the construction of Tanzania's Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) between Mwanza and Isaka in Shinyanga has reached 63% completion. This 249-kilometer section, known as Lot 5, includes an additional 92 kilometers of passing loops. The project is being executed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and China Railway Construction Company (CRCC) at an estimated cost of $1.321 billion (approximately TShs 3.45 trillion).

During a recent inspection in Malampaka Town, Simiyu Region, Transport Minister Prof. Makame Mbarawa highlighted significant progress: embankment works are 89% complete, and bridges and culverts have surpassed 70% completion. The remaining 37% of the project is expected to proceed without delay, even during the rainy season.

Once operational, this SGR segment is anticipated to enhance regional trade by facilitating efficient transportation of goods from the Lake Zone to the Port of Dar es Salaam, thereby boosting both the local and national economies.

The Mwanza-Isaka segment is a pivotal component of Tanzania's broader SGR initiative, which aims to modernize the country's rail infrastructure and enhance connectivity across East Africa. 

The entire SGR network, spanning approximately 2,000 kilometers, is being developed in multiple phases:​

• Phase 1: Dar es Salaam to Morogoro (300 km)​
• Phase 2: Morogoro to Makutupora (422 km)​
• Phase 3: Makutupora to Tabora (294 km)​
• Phase 4: Tabora to Isaka (130 km)​
• Phase 5: Isaka to Mwanza (249 km)​
• Phase 6: Tabora to Kigoma (506 km)

The SGR is designed to facilitate high-speed and efficient transportation, with passenger trains operating at speeds up to 160 km/h and freight trains at 120 km/h. The railway features a 1,435 mm gauge and is constructed to handle an axle load of 35 tons.

In December 2024, the African Development Bank led a $1.2 billion financing syndication to support the construction of the 411-kilometer Tabora to Kigoma section. This investment underscores the project's significance in bolstering regional trade and integration by connecting Tanzania's port of Dar es Salaam on the Indian Ocean to the port of Mwanza on Lake Victoria, with further links to neighboring countries such as Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda.

The SGR project is poised to revolutionize Tanzania's transportation landscape, offering a modern, efficient, and reliable rail system that will stimulate economic growth and regional connectivity.​

OFFICIAL LIST OF CANDIDATES FOR ELECTION OF NEXT AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK PRESIDENCY

The Steering Committee of the Board of Governors on the Election of the President of the African Development Bank met on 11 and 12 February 2025 at the Bank Group’s headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The Steering Committee, after examining the candidatures cleared the following list of candidates for the office of the President of the African Development Bank during the next election to be held on 29 May 2025:

1. Mr. HOTT Amadou, Senegal.
2. Dr. MAIMBO Samuel Munzele, Zambia.
3. Mr. TAH Sidi Ould, Mauritania.
4. Mr. TOLLI Abbas Mahamat, Chad.
5. Ms. TSHABALALA Bajabulile Swazi, South Africa.

For more information about the timeline and procedures of the election process, please visit: https://www.afdb.org/en/about-us/organisational-structure/the-president/afdb-presidential-election .

Media hotline:

All email inquiries regarding the process should be directed to: PRELEC2025@AFDB.ORG

WASHINDI WA ‘NMB MASTABATA’ WAAGWA DAR ES SALAAM, WATIMKIA DUBAI

Washindi wa fainali ya msimu wa sita wa kampeni ya kuhamasisha matumizi na malipo kwa njia ya kadi iliyoendeshwa na Benki ya NMB, ‘NMB MastaBata - La Kibabe,’ wameagwa na kuondoka jijijni Dar es Salaam Jumanne Februari 25, 2025 kwenda Dubai kwa ziara ya siku tano iliyolipiwa gharama zote na benki hiyo.

Hafla ya kuwakabidhi tiketi na kuwaaga washindi hao sita na wenza wao, imefanyika Makao Makuu ya Benki ya NMB jijini Dar es Salaam na kuhudhuriwa na Mkuu wa Idara ya Masuluhisho ya Biashara Ndogo na za Kati wa Mastercard International, Ali Wehbe, ambaye aliipongeza NMB kwa ubunifu na mafanikio makubwa ya kampeni hiyo.

Msimu wa sita wa Kampeni ya Mastabata ulizinduliwa Novemba 9, 2024, NMB pamoja na Mastercard wakitenga zawadi mbalimbali zenye thamani ya Sh. Mil. 300, ikiwa ni muendelezo wa NMB MastaBata iliyoanza mwaka 2018.

Akizungumza wakati wa hafla hiyo, Afisa Mkuu wa Wateja Binafsi na Biashara wa NMB, Filbert Mponzi, alisema kampeni hiyo iliyodumu kwa miezi mitatu (Novemba 9, 2024 hadi Feberuari 12, 2025), ilikuwa ya mafanikio makubwa, huku wateja zaidi ya 1,256 walijishindia zawadi zenye thamani ya zaidi ya Sh. Mil. 300.

“Kampeni hii ilipata mafanikio makubwa sana, ambako miamala na malipo kwa pos na online yaliongezeka kwa asilimia 27 katika kipindi cha miezi mitatu hiyo ambayo tulipata washindi 1,200 wa kila wiki wa fedha taslimu Sh. 100,000 kila mmoja na washindi 30 wa droo za mwisho wa mwezi waliotwaa Sh. 500,000 kila mmoja.

“Pia kulikuwa na washindi 10 wa safari za utalii wa ndani katika Hifadhi za Taifa za Ngorongoro (watano) na Mikumi (watano), ambao wote waliambatana na wenza wao kufanya utalii, lakini pia katika kipindi hicho tuliendesha droo za kutafuta na kuwapata washindi 10 waliolipiwa ada za watoto na wategemezi wao za hadi Sh. Mil. 4 kila mmoja.

“Na baada ya ‘grand finale’ iliyofanyika katikati ya mwezi huu, leo tuko hapa kukabidhi tiketi na kuwaaga washindi 6 wa safari ya Dubai ambako watapata fursa ya kutembelea maeneo mbalimbali ya Dubai ikiwa ni pamoja na safari ya Jangwani, Dubai Mall Aquarium Underwater Zoo, kote huko kwa gharama zilizolipiwa na NMB na MasterCard.

BENKI YA CRDB YAZIDI KUIPAISHA KILI MARATHON

Hafla ya msimu wa 35 wa mbio za Kili Marathon imefanyika siku chache zilizopita katika viwanja vya ushirika Moshi Mkoani Kilimanjaro, ambapo Benki ya CRDB imeendeleza udhamini wake wa mbio za Kilomita 5 zinazojulikana kama CRDB Bank 5km Fun Run. Kimsingi, huu ni mwaka wa pili mfululizo tangu benki hiyo ianze kufanya udhamini huo, jambo ambalo limezifanya mbio hizo kuendelea kuwa na msisimko mkubwa na wa kipekee.

Akizungumza wakati wa kuhitimisha mbio hizo, Mkuu wa Kitengo cha Masoko CRDB Bank, Bi. Joseline Kamuhanda amesisitiza kuwa benki ya CRDB inafanya hivyo, kwasababu inatambua na kuthamini umuhimu wa michezo kwa afya na kipato kwa wananchi wakiwemo wateja wao ambao wanawajali sana.

NMB BANK AWARDS 5-DAY DUBAI TRIP TO ‘MASTABATA LA KIBABE’ GRAND DRAW WINNERS

NMB Bank in partnership with Mastercard yesterday handed over 12 return tickets to Dubai to six lucky customers who emerged winners during the bank’s just concluded ‘MastaBata la Kibabe’ grand draw to enjoy a five-day fully paid trip to Dubai.

The bank’s three months rewards campaign launched in November 2024 sought to encourage consumers to make use of NMB Mastercard at Point of Sales (PoS) machines, online and QR link payments as part of NMB bank's larger initiative to promote financial inclusion and a cashless economy drive.

Speaking during the draw, the NMB Bank Chief Retail Officer Filbert Mponzi during the handover ceremony held at the bank’s headquarters in Dar es Salaam said ‘MastaBata la Kibabe’ campaign helped to bridge the gap in digital banking among Tanzanians, promoting a shift from cash transactions to more secure, convenient, and user-friendly digital and card transactions.

“This campaign recorded tremendous success increasing digital payments by 27 percent in three months. During the campaign, 1,256 lucky customers bagged various prizes including cash, trips to Ngorongoro and Mikumi National park. We also managed to pay school fees of up to 4m/- for children of 10 lucky winners during the campaign,” Mponzi said.

Mponzi during the event reiterated his bank’s commitment to continue supporting the country’s transition to a cashless economy urging the bank’s customers to continue embracing digital payments as they are stress-free.

On his part the Mastercard Vice President SME Solutions, Ali Wehbe during the event reaffirmed that his company is committed to continue driving and shaping the future of digital payments and as part of its pledge to enhance secured financial inclusion.

“Our goal is to continue driving digital transformation in Tanzania and beyond. We can only do that with continued support from our partners including NMB Bank. We are grateful to partner with NMB in this campaign and I believe the winners will greatly enjoy their trip since Dubai is a fascinating city with a unique culture and most importantly the innovations that change every day,” he added.

On her part, Elizabeth Masanja on behalf of other lucky winners commended NMB and Mastercard for initiating the ‘MastaBata la Kibabe’ rewards campaign expressing optimism that the fully paid trip to Dubai will give lucky winners an experience of a lifetime.

“I have been using my NMB MasterCard for some time now and am grateful for emerging a winner during the ‘MastaBata la Kibabe’ campaign. This trip will give me piece of mind as I look forward to enjoying some relaxation in Dubai for five days. Indeed, when I get back to Dar es Salaam from Dubai, I will recommend my friends and customers to get NMB Mastercards,” she said.

DKT. DOTO BITEKO AWAPONGEZA BENKI YA EXIM KUZINDUA TAWI WILAYANI KAHAMA

Naibu Waziri Mkuu na Waziri wa Nishati Mhe. Dkt. Dotto Biteko (wa tatu kulia), akiwa katika uzinduzi Rasmi wa tawi la Benki ya Exim Tanzania Wilayani Kahama Mkoani Shinyanga. Kulia kwake ni Afisa Mtendaji Mkuu wa Exim Bank, Bw. Jaffari Matundu wakiwa katika picha ya pamoja na viongozi wengine wa Serikali na Benki ya Exim katika tukio lililofanyika mnamo tarehe 25 Februari 2025 Mjini Kahama.

Naibu Waziri Mkuu na Waziri wa Nishati Mhe. Dkt. Doto Biteko (wa nne kushoto), ambaye alikuwa Mgeni Rasmi akikata utepe wakati hafla ya uzinduzi Rasmi wa tawi la Benki ya Exim Wilayani Kahama Mkoani Shinyanga. Wa tatu kushoto ni Afisa Mtendaji Mkuu wa Benki ya Exim, Bw. Jaffari Matundu na Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Shinyanga, Anamringi Macha wakiwa katika picha ya pamoja na viongozi wengine wa Serikali na Benki ya Exim katika tukio hilolilofanyika mnamo tarehe 25 Februari 2025 Mjini Kahama.

25 Februari 2025, Shinyanga: Benki ya Exim imedhihirisha dhamira yake ya kujenga ujumuishi wa kifedha na kupanua huduma zake kwa kuzindua rasmi tawi jipya katika Wilaya ya Kahama, Mkoani Shinyanga. Tawi hili jipya linalenga kuboresha upatikanaji wa huduma za kifedha kwa wafanyabiashara, watu binafsi, na taasisi katika wilaya hiyo. Mgeni rasmi katika hafla hii alikuwa Mheshimiwa Doto Biteko, Naibu Waziri Mkuu na Waziri wa Nishati.

Akizungumza wakati wa uzinduzi huo, Afisa Mtendaji Mkuu wa Benki ya Exim, Bw. Jaffari Matundu, alieleza umuhimu wa upanuzi huu kwa ukuaji wa sekta ya kifedha: "Kahama ni moja ya vituo muhimu vya uchumi nchini, ikiwa na sekta zinazochangia kwa kiasi kikubwa kwenye maendeleo ya taifa. Mji huu unajulikana sana kwa mchango wake katika sekta ya madini, hususan uzalishaji wa dhahabu, ambao umeifanya Kahama kuwa muhimu katika uchumi wa taifa.”

Jaffari aliongeza kuwa, “Kwa kuanzisha tawi hili, tunalenga kuhudumia mahitaji mbalimbali ya kifedha ya sekta hizi—iwe ni kwa ufadhili wa biashara, huduma za kibenki za kidijitali, au bidhaa za kifedha zinazolenga kukuza maendeleo ya kiuchumi.”

Tawi la Kahama litatoa huduma kamili za kibenki, ikiwemo akaunti za biashara na binafsi, huduma za hazina (treasury services), na mifumo ya kidijitali ya kibenki. Wateja watanufaika na huduma za Exim Bank zinazolenga kutoa suluhisho bora, la kisasa, na lenye ushindani kwa kuzingatia mahitaji ya soko yanayobadilika kila wakati.

Mheshimiwa Doto Biteko, alisifu juhudi za benki ya Exim za kupanua huduma zake, akisisitiza mchango wa taasisi za kifedha katika maendeleo ya Uchumi wa watu na taifa kiujumla: “Serikali imekuwa ikihimiza taasisi zetu kuipeperusha bendera ya Tanzania nje ya nchi kwa kufanya uwekezaji wa kimkakati. Kwa kipekee kabisa niwapongeze sana Exim bank kwa kutuwakilisha vyema katika nchi za Comoros, Uganda, Djibouti, pamoja na Ethiopia.”

NMB YAWEKA VIWANGO VIPYA VYA UBORA WA AJIRA NA USTAWI WA WAFANYAKAZI NCHINI

Katika mazingira ya sasa hivi ya ajira yenye ushindani mkubwa wa kuvutia na kuhifadhi vipaji bora, Benki ya NMB imeendelea kuwa mwajiri kinara nchini na chaguo pendwa la wafanyakazi wa kada zote.

Kupitia uwekezaji wake endelevu katika maendeleo ya rasilimali watu, ustawi wa wafanyakazi, na kuboresha mahali pa kazi, NMB inazidi kuimarisha ufanisi wake kiutendaji huku ikiwavutia wataalamu wenye ujuzi wa hali ya juu.

Mafaniko haya ni miongoni mwa sababu za kutunukiwa ithibati ya kimataifa kama Mwajiri Bora wa Mwaka 2025 nchini, tuzo iliyotolewa na mamlaka ya kimataifa ya rasilimali watu ya Top Employers Institute mwanzoni mwa mwaka huu.

Waajiri Bora Duniani wa Mwaka 2025

Kwa mujibu wa Afisa Mtendaji Mkuu wake, kutambuliwa huku kimataifa ni kielelezo cha wazi cha dhamira ya NMB katika kusimamia rasilimali watu kwa viwango vipya vya juu vya ajira na ustawi wa wafanyakazi wake.

"Watu wetu ndio rasilimali yetu kuu. Tunaamini kuwa kujenga mazingira bora ya ajira, yanayohamasisha ustawi na maendeleo ya wafanyakazi, kunachangia moja kwa moja sio tu katika mafanikio ya biashara yetu bali pia katika kuboresha huduma kwa wateja na kuimarisha uaminifu wao kwetu,” alisema kiongozi huyo baada ya NMB kutangazwa kuwa miongoni mwa waajiri bora 2,400 duniani wa mwaka 2025.

Kwa mujibu wa wataalamu wa rasilimali watu wa NMB, ushindi huu unathibitisha kuwa katika uendeshaji wa kisasa wa taasisi, ustawi wa wafanyakazi si anasa bali ni mtaji wa kimkakati.

Wakizungumza kwa nyati tofauti, walisema mafanikio ya kiutendaji na uendeshaji inayoyapata benki hiyo ni matokeo ya uwekezaji mkubwa unaofanyika kuchochea ukuaji wa vipaji, kuboresha mazingira ya kazi na kuwaendeleza kitaaluma.

Afya za Wafanyakazi na Ustawi Wao

Tofauti na taasisi nyingi, Benki ya NMB imeonesha kwa upekee kwamba uwekezaji madhubuti katika rasilimali watu na kuboresha mazingira ya kazi ni msingi imara wa mafanikio ya kibiashara.