Dar es Salaam. CRDB Bank has hosted the London Stock Exchange (LSE) roadshow in Tanzania, aimed at facilitating access to project financing for startups and local investors.
The roadshow was made possible through collaboration with the Tanzania High Commission in the United Kingdom, the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT), iTrust Finance, and the Tanzania Startup Association, according to a press release availed to the media on Monday.
This significant event brought together leading companies and financial experts from the London Stock Exchange to explore financial market opportunities, fostering insightful discussions on investment strategies and capital market access for business growth.
In his remarks, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mahmoud Kombo, highlighted the importance of emerging enterprises engaging in capital market forums, signalling a promising future for Tanzania’s investment landscape.
“Today is a defining moment for Tanzania’s capital markets. As we embrace financial innovations and international partnerships, we must ensure that our economic growth is inclusive, sustainable, and impactful,” he underscored.
He encouraged Tanzanian businesses to seize the opportunities and position themselves for regional and global competitiveness.
“Together, we are paving the way for a more dynamic, resilient, and globally connected Tanzanian economy,” said Ambassador Kombo.
He expressed gratitude to CRDB Bank for its leadership in capital markets development through initiatives like the Kijani Bond and the Samia Infrastructure Bond, which exemplify how innovation can drive sustainable economic growth.
The minister commended CRDB Bank, the Tanzania High Commission in the UK, iTrust Finance, the London Stock Exchange, and the UK Department for Business and Trade for making the event a resounding success.
“I urge our entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and policymakers to harness the power of capital markets for economic transformation,” he insisted.
CRDB Bank Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abdulmajid Nsekela, underscored the bank’s pioneering role in Tanzania’s capital markets.
“At CRDB Bank, we are living proof of the power of public listing,” said Mr Nsekela.
He said their journey from being the first company to float shares to the public in 1994 to becoming Tanzania’s most liquid stock on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange demonstrates the transformative impact of capital markets on business growth and economic development.
Mr Nsekela emphasized that through the CRDB Bank Foundation, the bank remains committed to empowering youth and women-led enterprises by providing financial resources, mentorship, and support essential for their growth.
With its three core pillars namely financial literacy and inclusion, entrepreneurship development and innovation, and strategic partnerships, he said the Foundation is dedicated to supporting startups in achieving scalability, investment readiness, market access, and global expansion.
“The future of Tanzanian startups is bright, and we’re just getting started,” Mr Nsekela affirmed.
CRDB Bank, he expounded, is honoured to host this significant event and remains committed to enabling Tanzanian businesses to scale beyond local boundaries, attract international investors, and leverage capital markets as a driver of economic prosperity.
“Our goal is to strengthen Tanzania’s capital markets, making them more dynamic and globally competitive. By working together—government, private sector, and financial institutions—we can unlock vast opportunities for businesses and drive economic growth,” Mr Nsekela concluded.
The London Stock Exchange Roadshow marks a pivotal step in enhancing Tanzania’s capital markets ecosystem, promoting financial inclusion, investment opportunities, and sustainable economic growth.
The British High Commissioner to Tanzania, Ms Marianne Young, reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting Tanzania in expanding access to international capital markets.
“The United Kingdom is proud to partner with Tanzania in broadening access to global investors,” she said.
She went on to add: “Today’s discussions reaffirm our shared commitment to deepening trade and investment ties, creating opportunities for sustainable economic growth and long-term prosperity.”
