NMB KIJIJI DAY EMPOWERS RURAL COMMUNITIES WITH FINANCIAL LITERACY, CLEAN ENERGY SOLUTIONS

Kimanzichana Ward, Mkuranga District, Pwani Region – The ongoing community program for financial literacy, inclusive banking services, environmental conservation, and clean cooking energy, “NMB Kijiji Day,” continued last weekend in Kimanzichana Ward.

Organized by NMB Bank in partnership with strategic ally Taifa Gas, the initiative aims to provide financial education and inclusive banking services to over 2,000 unbanked villages across Tanzania. The program also promotes tree planting and hosts a variety of sporting events to engage communities.

At the seminar, Dismas Prosper, Zonal Manager, Group Sales and Rural Banking Services at NMB Headquarters, encouraged social groups, villagers, and entrepreneurs—including nutrition groups and motorcycle-taxi operators—to take advantage of the NMB Group Account.

Prosper urged attendees to formally register their groups by opening a Group Account, highlighting benefits such as access to insurance, loans, and digital financial services, which can accelerate both individual and group economic growth.

“The NMB Group Account bundles several positive services that can fast-track the economic growth of groups and their members. It is important that borrowing is done purposefully to speed up development for both groups and individual members,” he said.

 

He explained that the Group Account allows groups to manage funds efficiently, track individual contributions, and meet financial goals collectively. Key benefits include secure group funds, simple digital account opening and savings, and accurate financial information for every member. Prosper also emphasized that individual accounts are essential, enabling access to products like Mshiko Fasta, a conditional-free loan product offering up to TZS 1 million without guarantees or lengthy paperwork.

Representing Taifa Gas, Henry Muya highlighted the company’s commitment to environmental conservation and promoting clean cooking energy for both urban and rural populations. He stressed that clean cooking energy is vital for all communities, helping prevent the environmental degradation caused by firewood and charcoal.

Participants expressed appreciation for the program. Abdallah Omar said he was impressed by the NMB Group Account and group insurance, urging the bank to expand its rural outreach.

“Through this seminar, we have learned how to manage our money properly, formalize our groups, and access group insurance that provides support when a member dies,” he said.

Mariam Suleiman, a member of the Kimanzichana Women and Development Group, highlighted the importance of group health insurance for rural residents, particularly in covering medical expenses.

Robert Mtimba, NMB Bank’s Rural Banking Sales Manager, also presented on affordable loans, insurance, and prudent financial management, advising participants to avoid unnecessary expenditures to accelerate economic progress.