NCBA HOSTS IFTAR IN ZANZIBAR, REINFORCING FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND CUSTOMER PARTNERSHIPS

From left: Mr. Sudi Said Ally, Director at Zanzibar State Trading Corporation (ZSTC); Dr. Juma Malik Akil, Minister of Finance and Planning – Zanzibar; and Rahim Suleiman, Head of Global Markets at NCBA Bank Tanzania, during the NCBA customer Iftar dinner held at Verde Hotel Zanzibar, where the bank hosted key partners and clients in the spirit of Ramadan.

As the sun set over Zanzibar and the call to prayer marked the breaking of the fast, business leaders, entrepreneurs and community stakeholders gathered at Verde Hotel for an evening reflecting the deeper spirit of Ramadan — unity, generosity and shared purpose.

Hosted by NCBA Bank Tanzania, the customer Iftar dinner brought together clients, partners and policymakers in a moment of reflection that highlighted the growing role of financial institutions in enabling economic opportunity and strengthening communities.

Speaking on behalf of Managing Director, Alex Mziray, NCBA Head of Global Markets, Rahim Suleiman said Ramadan offers an important opportunity for institutions to reconnect with the communities they serve and reflect on the responsibility of supporting progress.

“Ramadan is a month that calls us to pause, reflect and realign our intentions. At NCBA Bank Tanzania, we believe banking must be human, accessible and capable of creating shared progress across the communities we serve,” he said.

Suleiman noted that even during a sacred period of reflection, the realities of life and business continue. Traders still require stock, families need financial flexibility, transport operators must keep goods moving and entrepreneurs must manage their businesses and expansion plans.

“Our responsibility as a financial partner is to ensure that our financial ecosystem supports that rhythm,” he said.

Through Asset Finance, NCBA continues to support businesses acquiring vehicles, machinery and equipment that drive productivity across sectors such as logistics, trade, construction and enterprise.

“When we finance a vehicle or productive equipment, we are not simply financing assets. We are enabling movement, strengthening supply chains and supporting employment across the economy,” Suleiman added.

Beyond productivity financing, the bank has also expanded its Bancassurance solutions, providing protection for families and businesses while supporting long-term financial resilience.

The event’s Guest of Honour, Dr. Juma Malik Akil, Minister of Finance and Planning of Zanzibar, commended NCBA for its continued contribution to financial inclusion and economic empowerment.

“Financial inclusion must go beyond access. It must support productivity and opportunity. When financial institutions support transport operators, producers and entrepreneurs, they strengthen supply chains, create jobs and support economic growth,” he said.

The Minister also highlighted the growing impact of digital financial services such as M‑Pawa mobile savings and loan service, which have enabled millions of Tanzanians, including those in remote communities, to access financial services, save money and grow their businesses.

For NCBA, the gathering also served as a platform to deepen relationships with customers and partners who continue to play a central role in the bank’s growth.

Senior Manager Marketing, Communication and Citizenship, Solomon Kawiche said the event reflects NCBA’s belief that meaningful banking relationships are built on trust, engagement and a genuine understanding of customers’ ambitions.

“Moments like this allow us to connect with our customers beyond transactions and reaffirm our commitment to supporting their growth and aspirations,” he said.

Kawiche noted that NCBA remains focused on empowering entrepreneurs, contractors and businesses through relevant financial solutions while also investing in initiatives that strengthen communities.

Beyond financial services, the bank continues to champion sustainability through environmental initiatives such as tree-planting programmes, reinforcing its commitment to responsible and inclusive development.

As guests broke their fast together and conversations continued late into the evening, the gathering reflected a simple but powerful message: in a rapidly evolving economy, banks must do more than provide financial services — they must enable opportunity, strengthen partnerships and support communities in building a more inclusive future.