NMB BANK PLC SECURES USD 180 MILLION TO BOOST SME, AGRIBUSINESS AND INCLUSIVE LENDING

NMB Bank Plc Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ruth Zaipuna (left), and IFC Regional Vice President for Africa, Ethiopis Tafara, display signed documents after concluding a USD 100 million financing agreement on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda. The facility is expected to strengthen NMB’s capacity to support SMEs, agribusinesses and other productive sectors in Tanzania.

NMB Bank Plc Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ruth Zaipuna; BII Managing Director and Head of Africa, Chris Chijiutomi (right); and Norfund Regional Director for East Africa, William Nyaoke (left), display signed documents after concluding a USD 80 million financing agreement on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda. The facility will support expanded lending to SMEs, agribusinesses and underserved enterprises across Tanzania.

KIGALI, RWANDA – May 18, 2026: NMB Bank Plc has secured strategic financing facilities worth a combined USD 180 million from International Finance Corporation (IFC), British International Investment (BII), and Norfund to expand lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), agribusinesses, women-led enterprises and youth-driven businesses across Tanzania.

The agreements, signed on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, comprise USD 100 million from IFC and USD 80 million jointly provided by BII and Norfund. The facilities are expected to strengthen NMB’s lending capacity and support the provision of longer-tenor, structured financing to businesses operating in key productive sectors of the economy.

NMB said the financing will help address growing demand for credit among growth-oriented enterprises, particularly those seeking working capital, investment funding and supply chain support. The facilities will also reinforce the bank’s broader commitment to responsible growth, financial inclusion and sustainable finance under its Medium-Term Strategic Plan 2026–2030.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Ruth Zaipuna, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NMB Bank Plc, said the agreements demonstrate increasing international confidence in the bank’s strategy, governance and contribution to Tanzania’s economic development priorities.

“Securing these facilities from IFC, BII and Norfund is a strong endorsement of NMB Bank’s growth strategy and development mandate. The additional long-term capital will enable us to expand financing to SMEs, agribusinesses, women entrepreneurs and youth-led enterprises — segments that are central to productivity, innovation and job creation,” said Ms Zaipuna.

She added that the facilities will enhance the bank’s ability to provide fit-for-purpose financing, accelerate product innovation and deepen partnerships across value chains, supporting resilient business growth and broader socio-economic impact.

Chris Chijiutomi, Managing Director and Head of Africa at BII, said the latest commitment builds on the institution’s long-standing partnership with NMB Bank.

“This latest commitment builds on our enduring partnership with NMB Bank since we invested in NMB’s Jamii Sustainability Bond in 2023. By providing and mobilising long-term, stable capital to MSMEs and agricultural businesses, BII is supporting Tanzania’s inclusive and resilient growth with NMB Bank’s continued efforts to provide more tailored, accessible financing solutions to underserved businesses across the country,” said Mr Chijiutomi.

The transactions further position NMB Bank among Tanzania’s leading financial institutions in mobilising development finance for the private sector. The bank said it will deploy the facilities in line with its strategic priorities, with a strong focus on expanding access to finance for entrepreneurs and strengthening growth across productive sectors of the Tanzanian economy.