NMB COMMITS TZS 165 MILLION TO BOOST SALES AND DIGITAL PAYMENTS AT KARIAKOO FESTIVAL 2026

NMB Bank Plc Head of Business Banking, Alex Mgeni (left), demonstrates how to pay for goods using NMB Mkononi during the launch of Kariakoo Festival 2026 in Dar es Salaam. Looking on are One Voice Events Managing Director and Kariakoo Festival Coordinator, George Lupenza (centre), and Clouds Media Group Chief Creative and Strategy Officer, Reuben Ndege (right).

NMB Bank Head of Business Banking, Alex Mgeni, speaks during the launch of Kariakoo Festival 2026 in Dar es Salaam. He said the festival would create more sales opportunities for traders while expanding the use of digital payment solutions.

Dar es Salaam | September 9, 2026

TRADERS in Kariakoo are expected to benefit from wider sales opportunities and greater access to digital payment channels during the third Kariakoo Festival, following NMB Bank’s announcement of TZS 165 million in sponsorship.

The three-day festival, themed “Bei Shwaa Shwaa,” will take place from September 25 to 27, 2026, at the Mnazi Mmoja grounds in Dar es Salaam, bringing together traders and buyers for a major shopping event featuring discounted prices.

The 2026 edition was officially launched on September 8 through a traders’ procession that started at Mnazi Mmoja, passed through Lumumba and Uhuru roads, as well as Msimbazi and Mkunguni streets, before ending at Kariakoo Market.

Kariakoo Markets Corporation General Manager Ashraph Abdulkarim led the launch on behalf of Ilala District Commissioner Edward Mpogolo. Leaders from the Kariakoo Traders Association and festival organisers also attended the event.

NMB TO EXPAND DIGITAL PAYMENTS

Speaking at the launch, NMB Head of Business Banking Alex Mgeni said the bank would use the festival as an opportunity to help traders reach more customers while expanding the use of secure digital payment channels and reducing reliance on cash.

“NMB wants to be present wherever business takes place. We want to see traders in Kariakoo, Dar es Salaam and across Tanzania grow together with their businesses,” Mr. Mgeni said.

During the festival, traders will be able to receive payments through NMB Lipa Namba and NMB Mkononi.

The bank will also showcase NMB Tap, a contactless payment solution that enables customers to make payments using devices such as rings, wristbands and payment stickers.

According to Mr. Mgeni, the digital payment solutions will enable traders to serve customers more efficiently while maintaining transaction records, an important advantage during a festival expected to attract large numbers of shoppers.

TRADERS TO ACCESS BUSINESS FINANCING INFORMATION

Beyond payment solutions, NMB will use the festival to provide traders with information on working-capital facilities designed to support their short-term financing needs.

Eligible customers can access Mshiko Fasta digital loans of up to TZS 2 million for individuals and TZS 5 million for businesses through NMB Mkononi, subject to approved limits.

The bank will also showcase the NMB SME World Business Credit Card, which provides eligible businesses with credit facilities of up to TZS 50 million, together with up to 53 interest-free days on qualifying transactions.

Information on financing options for business equipment, machinery and clean-cooking distribution enterprises will also be available to traders during the festival.

KARIAKOO FESTIVAL FOLLOWS MARKET RECONSTRUCTION

Mr. Abdulkarim said this year’s festival comes after the completion of reconstruction and improvement works at Kariakoo Market, which was damaged by fire.

The festival will provide traders and buyers with an opportunity to view the stalls, commercial spaces and services available at the rebuilt market.

“The objective is to enable traders to sell at affordable prices and reduce stock held in their warehouses as the year draws to a close,” Mr. Abdulkarim said.

He urged traders to register for the festival and encouraged buyers to attend in large numbers.

NMB SUPPORTS THIRD EDITION

One Voice Events Managing Director and Kariakoo Festival Coordinator George Lupenza said NMB’s continued sponsorship had played an important role in enabling the festival to reach its third edition while attracting a broader community of traders.

The festival is expected to provide traders with a direct market for their goods while giving consumers greater access to convenient digital payment options.

Organisers have urged businesses interested in exhibiting their products and services to complete registration early ahead of the three-day event.

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