STANBIC STRENGTHENS PARTNERSHIP WITH CHINESE COMMUNITY THROUGH TZS 30 MIL. BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT SPONSORSHIP

Head of Corporate & Investment Banking at Stanbic Bank Tanzania, Ester Manase (right), presents a symbolic cheque worth TZS 30 million to the President of the Chinese Enterprises Association in Tanzania (CEA), Jiang Yuntao, in support of the Chinese Basketball Tournament, which brought together teams representing Chinese companies operating in Tanzania.

Dar es Salaam; August 1, 2026 - Stanbic Bank Tanzania has reinforced its long-standing partnership with Tanzania's Chinese community by sponsoring the 2026 Chinese Basketball Tournament with TZS 30 million, while also making history by fielding its own basketball team in the competition.

The sponsorship cheque was presented during the official opening ceremony at Don Bosco Grounds in Namanga, Dar es Salaam, in the presence of the Guest of Honour, Her Excellency Chen Mingjian, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Tanzania.

Unlike many corporate sponsors, Stanbic Bank went beyond financial support by participating in the tournament as a competitor. The Bank's dual role as sponsor and participant highlights its commitment to strengthening business relationships, fostering community engagement, and promoting cultural exchange through sport.

Over the years, the Chinese Basketball Tournament has evolved into one of Tanzania's most significant platforms for bringing together Chinese businesses, community leaders, and strategic partners. For Stanbic Bank, the event provides an opportunity to deepen relationships beyond banking while giving its employees the chance to proudly represent the Bank on the basketball court.

Speaking ahead of the tournament's opening, Ester Manase, Head of Corporate & Investment Banking at Stanbic Bank Tanzania, said the sponsorship reflects the Bank's commitment to building meaningful partnerships that extend beyond financial services.

"For many years, this tournament has been one of our most valued platforms for engaging with the Chinese community in Tanzania because strong partnerships are built through shared experiences, not transactions alone. This commitment is reflected in our work through Standard Bank Group, our partnership with ICBC, and our dedicated Chinese Desk, which connects Chinese businesses with opportunities across Tanzania and Africa," she said.

Manase added that the TZS 30 million sponsorship represents much more than financial support for a sporting event.

"By participating as both sponsor and competitor, we are demonstrating that our engagement is genuine and long-term. We remain committed to partnerships that foster community engagement, cultural exchange, and shared growth, and we are proud to once again stand alongside the Chinese community this year," she added.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Chen Mingjian commended Stanbic Bank for its consistent support of the tournament and praised the role sport plays in strengthening ties between China and Tanzania.

"The relationship between China and Tanzania is deep-rooted, and it continues to grow stronger through moments like these, where sport unites us in a spirit of friendship and mutual respect. I commend Stanbic Bank for its unwavering support of this tournament over the years. Partnerships like these between businesses and communities strengthen the bonds between our two peoples and reflect the enduring friendship between our nations," she said.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, applauded the Chinese business community for its continued contribution to Tanzania's economic growth and for organizing the tournament annually. He also thanked all sponsors whose support has ensured the competition's continued success.

Msigwa described sport as one of the most effective tools for promoting friendship and mutual understanding between nations.

"China and Tanzania enjoy a long-standing comprehensive strategic partnership that spans infrastructure, trade, tourism, education, sports, and culture. Events like today's tournament represent one of the strongest symbols of friendship and cooperation between the people of Tanzania and our friends from China," he said.

The Chinese Basketball Tournament continues to serve as an important platform for networking, relationship-building, and cultural exchange between stakeholders from Tanzania and China. Through its continued involvement, Stanbic Bank reaffirms its commitment to supporting initiatives that create lasting social value while bringing people together around shared ambitions.

As the partnership continues to grow, Stanbic Bank remains committed to strengthening its ties with Tanzania's Chinese community by supporting platforms that encourage collaboration, engagement, and sustainable mutual growth.

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Source: Stanbic Bank Tanzania

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