NBC Pledges continued collaboration to boost Zanzibar’s development projects

Zanzibar. The National Bank of Commerce (NBC) has reaffirmed its dedication to partnering with the government to drive forward key development initiatives, with a particular focus on the health sector.

This commitment was underscored by NBC’s Managing Director, Mr Theobald Sabi, during the inauguration of the state-of-the-art Kizimkazi Health Centre in the Kusini District of Unguja, Zanzibar. The facility, valued at Sh4.4 billion, was developed in collaboration with the Samia Foundation, the Ahmed Al Falas Foundation, and NBC Bank.

The launch event, held on Saturday, 4 January 2025, attracted prominent figures, including former President Jakaya Kikwete, Zanzibar’s Minister of Health Mr Nassor Ahmed Mazrui, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Permanent Secretary of the Zanzibar Ministry of Health Dr Mngereza Mzee Miraji, and other senior political and government leaders.

In his remarks, Mr Sabi highlighted the bank’s sustained efforts to support national development through its citizenship initiatives. He revealed that NBC allocates a portion of its annual profits to address critical issues in health, education, environmental sustainability, financial literacy, and employment.

“Over the past three years, NBC Bank has invested more than Sh4 billion in community initiatives. Today, we celebrate our role in making the Kizimkazi Health Centre a reality. With an investment of Sh400 million, this facility will significantly enhance access to quality healthcare for the residents of Kizimkazi and nearby areas, particularly for mothers and children,” said Mr Sabi.

He further announced plans to introduce a bespoke digital payment system at the centre, featuring Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and Point of Sale (POS) terminals, to streamline transactions for patients and healthcare providers.

Former President Kikwete lauded the collaborative efforts between private stakeholders and the government, emphasising their pivotal role in advancing development projects. He described the Kizimkazi Health Centre as an exemplary model of public-private partnership.

“Partnerships between the government and stakeholders like NBC Bank, the Samia Foundation, and the Ahmed Al Falas Foundation are vital to accelerating progress for the benefit of citizens. I congratulate everyone involved in this initiative,” he said.

Dr Kikwete also urged the facility’s leadership to deliver high-quality healthcare services while preserving the centre’s infrastructure to ensure its sustainability.

The event also marked the 61st anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution, with Minister Mazrui and Dr Mngereza stating that the centre will cater to 13,000 residents from Kizimkazi Mkunguni, Kibuteni, Kizimkazi Dimbani, and neighbouring areas.

“This facility sets a benchmark for excellence, which will guide the construction of similar centres across Zanzibar,” Minister Mazrui noted.

Ms Wanu Hafidh Ameir, Member of Parliament for Special Seats in South Unguja and Chairperson of the Women Initiatives Foundation, expressed optimism about the centre’s impact on maternal health.

“Many women in this region previously hesitated to conceive due to the lack of nearby healthcare facilities. This centre will encourage more women to embrace motherhood, helping to increase birth rates,” said Ms Ameir.

Fatma Kara, Chairperson of the Samia Foundation and the project’s lead engineer, reiterated the foundation’s commitment to expanding similar projects nationwide.

With the inauguration of the Kizimkazi Health Centre, Zanzibar takes a significant step forward in improving healthcare accessibility and fostering sustainable development.