ABSA BANK, KNAUF GYPSUM PARTNER TO EXPAND DISTRIBUTOR FINANCING ACROSS TANZANIA

Absa Bank Tanzania Managing Director, Obedi Laiser (right), and Knauf Gypsum Tanzania Managing Director, Christoforos Stamoulakatos, exchange copies of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the signing ceremony in Dar es Salaam. Also pictured are Knauf Legal Counsel, External & Government Affairs Manager, Flora Erasto (left), and Absa Bank Tanzania Company Secretary, Desmond Malyi.

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania; August 6, 2026 – Absa Bank Tanzania and Knauf Gypsum Tanzania have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a Distributor Financing Programme aimed at strengthening Knauf's distribution network while improving access to financing for distributors across the country.

The partnership marks another milestone in the long-standing relationship between the two organisations, reinforcing their shared commitment to supporting business growth, strengthening supply chains, and contributing to Tanzania's sustainable economic development.

Under the new programme, Absa Bank Tanzania will provide tailored financing solutions to eligible distributors within Knauf's distribution network, subject to the Bank's credit assessment process and approved exposure limits. The initiative is expected to onboard between 30 and 40 distributors, giving them improved access to working capital and business financing solutions needed to expand their operations.

Speaking during the signing ceremony held at Knauf Gypsum Tanzania's headquarters in Dar es Salaam, Absa Bank Tanzania Managing Director, Obedi Laiser, said the partnership reflects the Bank's commitment to ecosystem banking by empowering businesses throughout the value chain.

"This partnership demonstrates the power of ecosystem banking in supporting business growth and creating shared value. By extending financing solutions to distributors within Knauf's network, we are helping businesses build capacity, improve efficiency and seize growth opportunities. As Absa, we remain committed to empowering Africa's tomorrow, together, one story at a time – this is the purpose of our existence," said Laiser.

 

The Distributor Financing Programme will enable participating distributors to access funding for inventory purchases, working capital requirements, and business expansion. This is expected to strengthen Knauf's distribution ecosystem while improving product availability across the Tanzanian market.

Knauf Gypsum Tanzania Managing Director, Christoforos Stamoulakatos, said the partnership will provide distributors with the financial support required to meet growing market demand.

"Our distributors are a critical part of our growth journey and our ability to serve customers across Tanzania. Through this partnership with Absa Bank Tanzania, we are creating opportunities for our distributors to access financial solutions that can support their growth and strengthen their ability to meet increasing market demand."

The collaboration aligns with Absa Bank Tanzania's strategic focus on ecosystem banking, which aims to provide integrated financial solutions that support entire value chains and unlock growth opportunities for businesses of all sizes.

As one of Absa Bank Tanzania's key Corporate Banking clients and a strategic partner within its Corporate and Institutional Banking (CIB) division, Knauf Gypsum Tanzania continues to play an important role in supporting Tanzania's growing construction industry. The new financing programme is expected to deepen collaboration between the two organisations while creating additional opportunities across Knauf's operations and wider value chain.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior executives from both organisations, distributors, business partners, and members of the media.

Why This Matters

The partnership highlights the increasing role of value chain financing in Tanzania's business environment. By improving access to affordable working capital, distributor financing programmes help businesses maintain adequate inventory, strengthen cash flow, and respond more effectively to rising customer demand. Such collaborations also support financial inclusion for SMEs while contributing to a more resilient and efficient supply chain within the construction sector.

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