Zanzibar’s role in NMB prosperity journey
Zanzibar Second Vice President Hemed Suleiman Abdullah receives from NMB Bank chief executive Ruth Zaipuna one of the 407 desks donated by the bank as part of activities to mark the bank’s 25th anniversary and strengthen its cooperation with the Zanzibar House of Representatives during an event held in Zanzibar at the weekend. Others are NMB board chairperson Edwin Mhede (second left), Zanzibar Urban West regional commissioner Idrissa Kitwana Mustafa (second right) and Zanzibar House of Representatives speaker Zubeir Ali Maulid (right). Looking on is NMB Zanzibar business manager Naima Said Shaame. PHOTO | CORRESPONDENT
Zanzibar. NMB Bank said at the weekend that Zanzibar has played a pivotal role in its [the bank’s] transformation journey during the past 25 years.
“From our humble beginnings in 1997, we have grown to become the leading player in the local financial services sector with Zanzibar playing a pivotal role in this success story of our bank,” Chief Executive Officer Ruth Zaipuna told the Second Vice President Hemed Suleiman Abdullah during an event that was held here at the weekend.
The eventful day started with a sports bonanza with members of the House of Representatives, the donation of 407 desks worth Sh43.1 million for four primary schools and KIST College – as well as a dinner party.
During the dinner, Mr Hemed applauded NMB for, among other issues, supporting strategic projects of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and that of the United Republic of Tanzania.
He said authorities in the isles were appreciative of NMB Bank’s role in the betterment of people’s lives across the country.
Receiving the 407 desks and Sh7 million sporting gear to SMZ teams and the soldiers of the national army based in Zanzibar from the bank, Mr Hemed, said NMB’s corporate generosity has benefited many people.
In her remarks, Ms Zaipuna said they appreciate the constructive engagements NMB has with the government promising it more socio-economic investments going forward.
“We promise to continue to support the Eighth Phase Government in its endeavour to bring development to the people of Zanzibar, including participating in undertaking strategic development projects,” she stated.
Outlining NMB’s past and present involvement in the advancement of Zanzibar, Ms Zaipuna mentioned the Sh900 million loans extended to the youth and food vendors under the “Go na NMB” platform in the Forodhani area alone.
She also spoke of the entrepreneurial skills the bank has provided to 10,000 people in seaweed farming and salt making as well as the partnership with Zanzibar eGovernment Agency (EGAZ) to craft digital payment solutions.
Likewise, the NMB has partnered with the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Agency to make the isles a competitive destination for FDI. The bank through EGAZ is also working with the government to create a one stop centre digital system to help ease collection of government taxes and levies of public institutions.
