ABSA AND UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM TO HOST THE 2026 BEN-AFRICA CONFERENCE IN TANZANIA

Absa Bank Tanzania Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Aron Luhanga (centre), speaks to journalists in Dar es Salaam today about the BEN-Africa 2026 Conference on Business Ethics in Africa, scheduled to take place in Dar es Salaam on November 5 and 6 this year. On the left is the Director of Marketing and Acting Dean of the University of Dar es Salaam Business School, Dr Robert Suphian. On the right is Absa Bank Tanzania Director of Legal and Compliance, Alistides Kashasira.

Dar es Salaam, 26 October 2026 – Absa Bank Tanzania, in partnership with the Business Ethics Network of Africa (BEN-Africa) and the University of Dar es Salaam, today announced that Tanzania will host the 2026 BEN-Africa Conference from 5–6 November 2026 at the University of Dar es Salaam Business School.

The announcement was made during a media briefing attended by representatives from Absa Bank Tanzania and the University of Dar es Salaam Business School ahead of what is regarded as one of Africa's premier platforms for advancing ethical leadership, good governance and responsible business practices. BEN-Africa, which stands for Business Ethics Network of Africa, was established in 1999 and has become a leading continental network bringing together academics, business leaders, policymakers and civil society to engage on pressing ethical challenges facing Africa.

Absa Bank Tanzania Director of Marketing and Corporate Relations, Aron Luhanga (centre), talks to the Director of Marketing and Acting Dean of the University of Dar es Salaam Business School, Dr Robert Suphian (third from left), in Dar es Salaam today, following a press conference about the BEN-Africa 2026 Conference on Business Ethics in Africa, scheduled to take place in Dar es Salaam on November 5 and 6 this year. Others are Absa Bank Tanzania employees.

Hosted under the theme:

"Contrasting Perspectives on Business Ethics: Afrocentricity and Beyond"

the conference will convene leading thinkers, policymakers, regulators, business executives, academics and ethics practitioners from across Africa to explore how ethical leadership can contribute to sustainable development, responsible business conduct and Africa's long-term prosperity.

The 2026 conference marks a significant milestone, as it will be the third time in the conference's 25-year history that Tanzania hosts the annual gathering, underscoring the country's growing influence in regional conversations around governance, leadership and ethical business conduct.

Speaking on behalf of Absa Bank Tanzania, Alistides Kashasira, Director of Legal & Compliance, said:

"Ethics is not simply a compliance requirement; it is the foundation upon which sustainable institutions, trusted markets and prosperous societies are built. As a proudly African bank, Absa believes ethical leadership and strong governance are essential drivers of inclusive economic growth. Our partnership with BEN-Africa reflects our commitment to promoting integrity, accountability and responsible conduct across the continent."

Absa's continued support for BEN-Africa aligns with the Group's purpose of 'Empowering Africa's tomorrow, together... one story at a time' and its long-standing commitment to championing ethical governance, transparency and inclusive business practices. Through its sponsorship of BEN-Africa, Absa seeks to create platforms for meaningful dialogue and collaborative solutions that strengthen governance and business ethics across Africa.

Commenting on the significance of hosting the conference in Tanzania, Aron Luhanga, Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Absa Bank Tanzania, said:

"We are incredibly proud to bring BEN-Africa to Tanzania. This conference represents much more than a sponsorship opportunity. It reflects our values as a brand and our belief that ethical conduct, responsible leadership and stakeholder trust are critical ingredients for sustainable growth. We are excited to showcase Tanzania as a destination for thought leadership while facilitating conversations that will shape the future of ethical business across our continent."

The conference programme will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions and expert dialogue on topics including:

• Afrocentric and Western perspectives on business ethics.
• Profit, power and responsible business.
• Sustainable economic growth and ethical leadership.
• Ethical entrepreneurship.
• Ubuntu and Artificial Intelligence.
• Tourism, governance and responsible business.
• Corporate citizenship and social impact.

The University of Dar es Salaam, one of Africa's leading centres of higher learning and research, will host the conference and contribute to the intellectual discourse underpinning the event.

Speaking on behalf of the University, Dr Robert Suphian, Head of the Marketing Department and Acting Dean of the University of Dar es Salaam Business School, said:

"Universities have a responsibility not only to produce skilled graduates but also ethical leaders capable of addressing society's most pressing challenges. We are honoured to host this important gathering and contribute to the advancement of ethics, governance and responsible leadership in Africa."

The 2026 BEN-Africa Conference is expected to attract delegates from across Africa, including government leaders, corporate executives, regulators, academics, researchers, students and development practitioners.

Together, BEN-Africa, Absa Bank Tanzania and the University of Dar es Salaam invite all stakeholders committed to building an ethical, sustainable and prosperous Africa to participate in this landmark event.

About Absa Bank Tanzania

Absa Bank Tanzania Limited is one of Tanzania’s leading financial institutions, offering an integrated set of products and services across Corporate and Investment Banking, Business Banking with solutions for SMEs, and Retail Banking. Backed by its 21-year legacy in Tanzania and inspired by the people it serves, Absa is committed to finding local solutions to uniquely local challenges, and everything it does is focused on bringing possibility to life.

Absa Bank Tanzania is part of Absa Group Limited, one of Africa’s largest diversified financial services groups. Absa Group employs approximately 40,000 professionals operating in South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique, Seychelles, Mauritius, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Ghana. The Group has representative offices in Nigeria, Namibia, London and New York, as well as insurance operations in Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia. Absa is a truly African brand, inspired by the people it serves and determined to be the financial services Group Africa can be proud of.

For more about Absa Bank Tanzania, its products and services, visit www.absa.co.tz.

About the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM)

The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) is the oldest public higher learning institution in Tanzania. Established in 1961, UDSM is a comprehensive and multidisciplinary university located on the Mwalimu Nyerere Main Campus in Dar es Salaam, alongside constituent colleges including DUCE and MUCE. With a student population exceeding 35,000, the university advances economic, social and technological development through quality teaching, innovative research and public service under the motto "Hekima ni Uhuru" (Wisdom is Freedom).

University of Dar es Salaam Business School (UDBS) is a leading business school in Africa and a leader in business education and research in Tanzania. Located at the UDSM Main Campus (Mlimani), UDBS fosters entrepreneurial job creators through quality undergraduate, postgraduate and consultancy programmes under the motto "Knowledge for Management Excellence (KNOW ME)".

About BEN-Africa

BEN-Africa, or the Business Ethics Network of Africa, is a continent-wide network established in 1999 that promotes ethical leadership, responsible business conduct, good governance and thought leadership across Africa. It brings together academics, business leaders, policymakers, regulators and civil society to exchange ideas and pursue practical solutions to ethical challenges facing the continent.