Kigali. NBC Bank has entered into a $15 million financing partnership with British International Investment to expand capital access for small businesses across Tanzania.
The five-year arrangement was formally established on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali.
This initiative provides vital long-term credit lines designed to strengthen business resilience across key productive economic sectors.
The facility specifically targets micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises to resolve critical working capital and trade finance shortages.
Special emphasis is placed on supporting businesses led by women and youth.
The funding also intends to accelerate digital adoption, promote formal business registration, and expand participation in regional cross-border commerce under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
Theobald Sabi, the managing director of NBC Bank, stated that the collaboration demonstrates international confidence in the private sector of Tanzania.
He emphasized that small businesses form the foundational structure of the national economy through significant employment creation and widespread entrepreneurial activity.
According to Mr Sabi, this capital commitment allows domestic enterprises to scale up production and compete effectively in wider African markets.
The Tanzanian government holds a thirty per cent stake in NBC Bank and participated actively in the bilateral proceedings.
Ms Angela Kairuki, the minister for Communication, Information and Technology, attended the ceremony on behalf of the state.
She affirmed that public policy continues to prioritize financial inclusion and private sector expansion as central elements of national economic transformation.
The minister remarked that such international investments validate the institutional stability of the domestic financial market.
British International Investment highlighted the strategic necessity of eliminating financing barriers for underserved African businesses.
Chris Chijiutomi, speaking on behalf of the UK development institution, noted that small enterprises generate significant employment and drive regional innovation.
He explained that long-term financing enables these companies to build economic resilience against broader market fluctuations.
Recent industrial data indicates that micro, small, and medium enterprises constitute more than ninety per cent of operational businesses in Tanzania.
These entities collectively generate between 27 and 35 per cent of national gross domestic product.
Despite this structural economic significance, local firms have historically faced substantial difficulties in obtaining affordable commercial credit.
The newly announced facility directly aligns with the broader strategy of NBC Bank to deliver customer-focused financial services and trade solutions.
The Africa CEO Forum serves as a primary platform for policymakers and financial executives to coordinate regional economic integration.
This agreement underscores the rising role of public-private alignment in unlocking sustainable investment across the East African region.
