EQUITY BANK POWERS DIGITAL PAYMENTS FOR ZANZIBAR ENTREPRENEURS AT FAHARI YA ZANZIBAR 2026

Bank deepens investment in the Isles as Equity Lipa Namba helps traders receive digital payments and build transaction histories for future growth

ZANZIBAR, SEPTEMBER 5, 2026 – Equity Bank Tanzania is deepening its investment in Zanzibar’s enterprise economy by enabling businesses participating in Fahari ya Zanzibar 2026 to receive digital payments through Equity Lipa Namba.

Convened by the Zanzibar Economic Empowerment Agency (ZEEA), the third edition of the national trade fair is taking place from September 4 to 14, 2026, at Maisara Grounds, under the theme “Bidhaa Zetu Ndio Fahari Yetu” (Our Products Are Our Pride).

The 11-day festival has brought together more than 300 exhibitors and is expected to attract over 15,000 visitors. The festival was officially opened on September 5 by His Excellency Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, Second Vice President of Zanzibar.

DIGITAL PAYMENTS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

At the heart of Equity Bank Tanzania’s participation is the small trader, who remains an important part of Zanzibar’s enterprise economy.

Through Equity Lipa Namba, participating businesses can receive payments instantly from customers using any bank or mobile network in Tanzania. The funds are credited directly to the merchant’s account, without collection charges being deducted from the amount received.

Beyond the immediate convenience of receiving payments, digital transactions can help entrepreneurs establish a visible and verifiable record of their business activity.

Abdulssamad Abdul Ayoub, Director of Operations at Equity Bank Tanzania, said digital payments can create a financial footprint that may become valuable when entrepreneurs seek financing in the future.

“Digital payments do more than complete a sale. Each transaction helps a trader build a verifiable record of business activity, a record that can support future conversations about financing. The eleven days at Fahari ya Zanzibar therefore represent more than daily sales; they give entrepreneurs a financial footprint they can carry forward.”

BUILDING A FINANCIAL FOOTPRINT

The benefits of digital payments extend across different categories of entrepreneurs participating in the festival.

A small trader selling spices, seaweed, dried fish, batik, furniture or processed foods, for example, can benefit from a faster way of receiving payments while building a transaction history.

Women entrepreneurs can explore access to capital, financial training and business protection through Mwanamke Plus and Equity’s bancassurance solutions.

Young entrepreneurs can use a Jijenge Account and Equity Mobile to save, transact digitally and begin developing financial discipline early.

Producers engaging major buyers, as well as tourism operators serving international visitors, can explore financing and trade services suited to the scale of their business opportunities.

Equity also provides inclusive financial services aimed at supporting entrepreneurs living with disabilities to participate equally in economic activities and pursue business growth.

For festival visitors, digital payments provide a simple and secure way to pay for products purchased from participating businesses.

SUPPORTING ZANZIBAR’S ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

Equity’s participation at Fahari ya Zanzibar forms part of a broader commitment to supporting Zanzibar’s economic transformation.

Beyond individual entrepreneurs, the bank’s development focus covers strategic sectors that underpin the Isles’ long-term economic growth, including healthcare, ports and logistics, tourism and hospitality, agriculture and water.

Through its trade and investment initiatives, Equity has also connected international investors and business leaders with opportunities in Tanzania and Zanzibar, including Fumba Port and related development projects.

The bank’s approach combines support for nationally significant development projects with practical financial solutions for small businesses and individual entrepreneurs.

ALIGNMENT WITH ZEEA’S MANDATE

The initiative also aligns with the mandate of the Zanzibar Economic Empowerment Agency, which was established under the Zanzibar Economic Empowerment Agency Act of 2022 to advance economic empowerment, promote entrepreneurship and improve livelihoods.

Fahari ya Zanzibar provides a national platform where entrepreneurs can connect with markets, buyers, financial-service providers and government institutions.

For Equity Bank Tanzania, the event therefore provides an opportunity to take financial services closer to entrepreneurs while helping businesses adopt digital payment solutions that can contribute to their future growth.

EQUITY INVITES ENTREPRENEURS TO ITS BOOTH

Entrepreneurs and festival visitors have been invited to visit the Equity Bank Tanzania booth throughout the 11-day festival to access services and information including:

• Account opening
• Equity Lipa Namba onboarding
• Insurance advice
• Business-financing solutions

The bank’s participation demonstrates how digital financial services can play a practical role in connecting small businesses to formal financial systems while supporting broader efforts to strengthen entrepreneurship and economic empowerment in Zanzibar.

ABOUT EQUITY BANK TANZANIA

Equity Bank Tanzania Limited is a commercial bank licensed and regulated by the Bank of Tanzania. Headquartered at Golden Jubilee Towers, Ohio Street, Dar es Salaam, the Bank provides financial services to individuals, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporates and institutions.

The Bank is a member of Equity Group Holdings Plc, a regional financial-services group operating across East and Central Africa.

Source: Equity Bank Tanzania