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Stanbic Bank Tanzania Chief Financial Officer, Derick Lugemala (third right), and Finance in Motion Senior Investment Manager, Dragan Spirovski (second left), exchange documents after signing a TZS 70 billion loan agreement in Dar es Salaam. The facility will strengthen Stanbic Bank’s capacity to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Looking on are Finance in Motion Senior Investment Officer, Masoud Abdalla (left), Stanbic Bank Senior Communications Manager, Dickson Senzi (right), and Stanbic Bank Treasurer, Zainul Chandoo (second right). |
- The facility will support sustainable agriculture supply chains through practical local currency financing.
- The partnership strengthens sustainable business growth and deepens Stanbic’s support for Tanzania’s economy.
The facility has been channelled towards lending that supports sustainable agriculture and agriculture supply chains, including small and medium enterprises and other businesses that are improving productivity and contributing to long term economic growth.
The facility concluded between the parties, reflects the continued strength of the partnership and the growing need for financing that responds to the realities of Tanzanian businesses.
The signing ceremony, held in Dar es Salaam, brought together representatives from Stanbic Bank Tanzania, Finance in Motion and the eco.business Fund to mark a continued commitment to expanding access to responsible finance. The partnership aims to support SMEs that are investing in sustainable practices across key areas such as agriculture, processing, trade, services and other sectors where small and medium enterprises play a critical role in employment, supply chains and community development.
Speaking during the signing, Derick Lugemala, Chief Financial and Value Officer at Stanbic Bank Tanzania said the facility reflects the Bank’s commitment to supporting businesses with funding that enables growth while encouraging responsible business practices.“SMEs remain central to Tanzania’s economic future. They create jobs, support households, strengthen supply chains and keep local enterprise moving. Through this facility, we are expanding access to practical financing that helps businesses invest, grow and become more resilient,” said Lugemala.
“This partnership with Finance in Motion and the eco.business Fund allows us to support enterprises that are not only looking for capital but also working towards more sustainable ways of doing business. For Stanbic, this is about helping Tanzanian businesses grow with confidence while contributing to a stronger and more responsible economy.”
By providing funding through Stanbic’s lending channels, the facility is expected to help eligible SMEs access financing in Tanzanian shillings, reducing exposure to foreign currency and giving businesses greater latitude in long term planning. The local currency nature of the facility is particularly important for SMEs that earn revenue in Tanzanian shillings and require predictable repayment structures.The transaction also aligns with Stanbic Bank Tanzania’s broader role in supporting the country’s development by contributing to sustainable development, aligning profit with purpose - financing climate-resilient infrastructure, empowering communities, expanding financial inclusion, and managing ESG risks responsibly. The strategy reflects a clear commitment to Africa’s long-term, inclusive and environmentally responsible growth.
The transaction signals growing confidence in Stanbic Bank Tanzania’s ability to deploy funding responsibly into the SME market. It also shows the value of partnerships between local financial institutions and international impact investors in addressing financing gaps that affect businesses across emerging markets.
For Finance in Motion and the eco.business Fund, the facility supports their work in channelling capital to businesses and financial institutions that promote sustainable agriculture and related value chains, contributing to sustainable economic activity.The eco.business Fund focuses on supporting business practices that contribute to biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and more responsible production models.
Finance in Motion, said the partnership with Stanbic Bank Tanzania demonstrates how targeted financing can support both business growth and environmental responsibility.
“We are pleased to continue working with Stanbic Bank Tanzania to expand access to finance for businesses operating in sustainable agriculture and agricultural value chains. These sectors are vital to local economies, and the right financing can help improve productivity, strengthen supply chains and support more sustainable production practices,” said Michael Evers, Chairperson of the eco business Fund Board of Directors.
As Tanzania continues to pursue inclusive growth, SMEs will remain an important engine for enterprise development, employment, innovation and local value creation.“Through the eco.business Fund, we aim to support enterprises that can deliver real economic and environmental value. This facility gives more Tanzanian businesses an opportunity to grow in ways that protect resources, support communities and build long term resilience” Evers added.
Speaking at the event, Fredrick Max, Head of Business and Commercial Banking at Stanbic Bank said they will continue working with partners who share its commitment to Tanzania’s growth.
“Our focus is to provide solutions that meet the needs of our clients and support the development of the economy. This facility is another step in that direction. It enables us to serve more SMEs, support more sectors and contribute to a more sustainable business environment,” said Max.
“Stanbic’s purpose is clear. Tanzania is our home, and we drive her growth. Partnerships such as this help us turn that purpose into practical support for businesses that are building the country’s future.”
The signing ceremony concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to supporting Tanzania’s private sector through financing that creates economic value while encouraging responsible growth.
Name: Dickson Senzi
Title: Senior Manager – External Affairs, Communication and Reputation
Email: Dickson.Senzi@stanbic.co.tz
Stanbic Bank Tanzania is a leading provider of financial services, offering a wide range of banking solutions to individuals, businesses, and institutions. With a focus on sustainable investment and strategic partnerships, the bank plays a key role in supporting Tanzania’s economic development and regional integration. Stanbic Bank is a member of Standard Bank Group, Africa’s largest bank by assets, with a presence in 21 countries across the continent. Through this network, the bank connects Tanzania to Africa’s growth and global financial markets. www.stanbicbank.co.tz
About Finance in Motion
Finance in Motion is a global impact asset manager focused exclusively on sustainable development in emerging markets and developing economies. The company structures, manages, and advises impact investment funds that bring together public and private investors to address climate change, strengthen biodiversity conservation, foster the sustainable use of natural resources, improve livelihoods, and promote economic opportunities.
For more information, please visit us at: www.finance-in-motion.comYou can also follow us on LinkedIn
About the eco.business Fund
The eco business Fund promotes biodiversity conservation and sustainable value chains in Latin America and Africa by providing debt financing for businesses in the sectors of agriculture, forestry, aquaculture and tourism. The fund investments can be complemented with advisory and capacity building from a separate facility. eco business was created in 2015 by Germany's KfW Development Bank, Conservation International and Finance in Motion. The fund counts with first loss capital from BMZ, the European Union and the UK-DEFRA.
For more information, please visit us at: https://www.ecobusiness.fund/en.jpeg)
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