NMB BANK WINS OVER 30 PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS FOR INNOVATION & DEVELOPMENT

Kwimba District Commissioner, Ng'wilabuzu (centre), NMB Chief Executive Officer, Ruth Zaipuna (left) and Chief of Retail Banking, Filbert Mponzi display some of the 30 International and National awards the Bank received this year during the Branch Manager's meeting held in Mwanza Region recently.  

Mwanza - NMB Bank has scooped more than 30 highly regarded awards, recognizing its excellence in innovation, operational efficiency, outstanding performance, and significant contributions to national development.

The bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Ruth Zaipuna, credited these local and international accolades to the dedication of NMB employees and the bank’s focus on modern technology to deliver innovative banking solutions.

“The use of digital tools and automation has greatly improved our efficiency, increased financial inclusion, and supported economic growth and sustainable development,” Ms. Zaipuna stated.

She was speaking in Mwanza during a meeting with senior executives and branch managers from over 240 branches.

Through its extensive network, including rural areas, NMB has helped formalize the informal economy by expanding access to financial services and credit.

Ms. Zaipuna emphasized the bank’s commitment to financial inclusion through its Rural Banking Strategy, aiming to provide financial services to every village in Tanzania by next year. As of last month, the initiative had reached over 1,000 villages.

“This effort also helps integrate the informal sector into the formal economy and broadens the country’s tax base,” she added.

On gender equality, Ms. Zaipuna highlighted NMB’s success in creating opportunities for women, both in the workplace and through funding programs that empower women economically. Currently, women make up 48% of NMB employees.

Key awards the bank received this year include Best Bank in Tanzania 2024 from Euromoney Magazine, Best Innovation in Retail Banking from International Banker Magazine, and Best Bank for Financial Inclusion 2024 from World Economic Magazine.

Awards for gender equality included Overall Winner – East Africa: Gender Equality Leader, Women Empowerment in the Workplace Award, and Leading Institution for Investment in Young Women.

NMB’s excellence in innovation has also been recognized through services like the NMB Jiwekee, launched this year to enhance customer savings.

Other awards came from global organizations like the Global Banking & Finance Awards, Global Business Magazine, and International Business Magazine, as well as local institutions such as the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Additional notable accolades include Best Digital Bank, Best Bank for ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance), Best Asset Manager of the Year, and recognition for its community-focused NMB Jamii Bond.

In May this year, the bank was also named Best Bank for Loans and Strategic Projects, Best Trade Finance Bank Tanzania 2024, and Best Trade Partner Bank – Advisory Services 2024 by IFC.

Ms. Zaipuna concluded by praising the bank’s achievements and reaffirming NMB’s commitment to driving innovation and supporting the nation’s development.