NBC HOSTS SPECIAL FORUM TO SHARPEN WOMEN’S ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT

NBC’s Liability Products and Sales Manager Ms. Dorothea Mabonye (holding the microphone), contributes to a discussion during a special forum organized by NBC for women traders and entrepreneurs in Dar es Salaam over the weekend. Also pictured are NBC’s Director of Compliance, Ms. Sarah Laiser-Sumaye (third left); financial literacy expert, Dr. Amina Baamary (third right); Entrepreneur and investor in the hospitality sector, Ms. Haika Lawere (right); insurance expert from Partner of Pierson Insurance, Ms. Moureen Majaliwa; and NBC’s Manager of Public Relations and Communications, Ms. Brendansia Kileo.

NBC’s Director of Compliance, Ms. Sarah Laiser-Sumaye (pictured), leading the special forum organized by NBC Bank for women traders and entrepreneurs in Dar es Salaam over the weekend.

Dar es Salaam, March 30, 2026 — National Bank of Commerce (NBC) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment by convening a special forum that brought together women traders and entrepreneurs in Dar es Salaam.

The forum, held over the weekend as part of the bank’s ‘NBC Women’s Month’ activities marking International Women’s Day, focused on strengthening women’s economic capacity through innovation, financial inclusion, and business resilience.

Building Capacity Beyond Business Start-Up

Led by NBC’s Director of Compliance, Ms. Sarah Laiser-Sumaye, the forum served as both a knowledge-sharing platform and a space for peer learning. Participants engaged in discussions spanning economic, social, and health-related topics, while also exchanging real-life experiences on navigating business challenges and leveraging growth opportunities.

Speaking during the forum, Ms. Laiser-Sumaye emphasized that while many women have made strides in starting businesses, sustaining and scaling them remains a critical challenge.

“Despite the progress made, many women-owned businesses still collapse due to poor management and lack of professional business practices. A significant number of women fail to maintain proper financial records, making it difficult to distinguish between personal and business expenses,” she noted.

She urged participants to prioritize strong business management practices, particularly in record-keeping and marketing, as essential pillars for long-term success.

The Case for Formalization and Financial Discipline

A key theme that emerged was the importance of formalizing businesses. Ms. Laiser-Sumaye highlighted that many women entrepreneurs remain hesitant to comply with regulatory frameworks due to concerns over taxes and levies—ultimately limiting their access to formal financing and lucrative tender opportunities.

She encouraged women to engage professional support in areas such as accounting and compliance to unlock growth potential and improve operational efficiency.

Smart Borrowing and Financial Literacy

Financial literacy expert Dr. Amina Baamary underscored the importance of responsible borrowing, advising women to ensure that loans are strategically invested in income-generating activities.

“It is essential that loans are used for business purposes so they can generate profit, grow capital, and enable smooth repayment without jeopardizing the business,” she emphasized.

Her remarks reinforced the need for financial discipline as a cornerstone of sustainable entrepreneurship.

Insurance and Risk Management Take Center Stage

The forum also highlighted the critical role of insurance in safeguarding businesses. Experts from the industry stressed the importance of comprehensive coverage—including business, health, and asset insurance—to mitigate risks and ensure continuity in the face of unforeseen events.

Expanding Access Through Tailored Financial Solutions

NBC’s Liability Products and Sales Manager, Ms. Dorothea Mabonye, showcased the bank’s role in enabling women’s financial independence through tailored products and services.

She encouraged women to adopt a savings culture, pointing to the Johari Account as a specialized offering designed to meet their needs. Additionally, she highlighted innovative financing solutions, including the use of movable assets such as motor vehicles as collateral—an approach aimed at overcoming traditional barriers to credit access.

NBC has also continued to invest in digital financial services, expanding its reach and making banking more accessible to women entrepreneurs across the country.

The Human Side of Entrepreneurship

Beyond financial and technical insights, the forum explored the human dimension of entrepreneurship. Mental health specialist Dr. Roselight Ringo emphasized the importance of personal well-being, noting that the pressures of running a business can significantly impact mental health if not properly managed.

Participants were encouraged to prioritize balance and resilience as key drivers of long-term success.

Branding, Identity, and Market Positioning

Strategic communications expert Ms. Carol Ndosi introduced participants to the power of branding, highlighting how identity and perception influence business growth in competitive markets. Her session focused on equipping women with tools to build strong personal and business brands that attract opportunities.

Real Stories, Real Impact

Adding depth and inspiration to the forum were firsthand accounts from women entrepreneurs. Ms. Haika Lawere, an entrepreneur and investor in the hospitality sector, shared her journey and lessons learned along the way.

“Saving is important, yes. But the right financing, used wisely, can accelerate your journey in ways that savings alone cannot,” she said.

Her message on financial discipline and strategic borrowing resonated strongly with participants, reinforcing the importance of managing resources effectively.

A Sustained Commitment to Women’s Empowerment

According to NBC’s Marketing Manager and Forum Coordinator, Ms. Janeth Mbelwa, the initiative is part of a broader, long-term strategy to empower women economically.

“This is not a one-off event. It is part of a sustained commitment to empower women—not just to participate in the economy, but to lead within it,” she stated.

As Tanzania continues to prioritize inclusive economic growth, initiatives like the NBC Women’s Month forum highlight the pivotal role of financial institutions in equipping women with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in business.