By Staff Reporter, Zanzibar.
NMB Bank has reiterated its commitment to support development of the tourism sector as well as the Blue Economy Agenda as part of bank’s long-term strategy to ensure that the sectors increase their contribution to development in Zanzibar
Addressing President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan during the second annual Sea Food Exhibitions held in Zanzibar over the weekend, the NMB Bank Head of Government Business Vicky Bishubo said for many years now, her bank has been working closely with the Government of Zanzibar to enhance the contribution of the tourism and Blue Economy sectors to Zanzibar’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“As a bank, we have come up with various tailor-made banking solutions to compliment Government’s efforts towards uplifting the contribution of both the tourism and Blue Economy sectors to Zanzibar’s economy,” she said.
Bishubo noted that the bank has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Zanzibar Ports Corporation (ZPC) to establish a one-center platform that among other things enables the business community to pay taxes using the control number generation system.
“This system aims at simplifying the payment process and greatly reduces Turn Around Time (TAT) and provides the government with clear visibility on revenue collection,” she said.
She added that the bank has also partnered with Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) to create a one-stop center platform to simplify the investment process in Zanzibar.
“This system provides a platform for potential investors to request services from all institutions that participate in investment facilitations thus not only simplifying the entire investment process but also improving operational efficiency,” Bishubo said.
Bishubo said that bank that as part of the bank’s efforts to boost financial literacy in Zanzibar, thas already disseminated financial literacy training to over 10,000 people in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in various sectors including agriculture, fishing sector among others in Zanzibar.
She noted that the bank presently boosts a branch network of 3 branches in Unguja, Zanzaibar and over 200 banking agents as well as over 20 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) dedicated to the serving the bank’s growing list of clientele.
“Due to the growing demand for our products, we received numerous requests s to open up another branch in Unguja South and as part of our ‘closer to you’ philosophy, preparations to finalise the branch are in full gear and the new branch will be operational soon,” Bishubo added.
The NMB Bank Head of Branch Network Donatus Richard during the event noted that the bank has various banking solutions dedicated to providing an unforgettable experience for tourists in Zanzibar especially those from the Far East.
“We have come up with various payment potions for tourists’ that include establishment of various Point of Sales (POS) machines at all the major tourists’ attractions in Zanzibar so as to provide seamless banking services. Through our efforts, tourists especially from the Far East can now have access to Union Pay services.
The President of Tanzania Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan during the event commended the bank for its effort to bridge the financial inclusion gap across the country.
“I take this opportunity to commend you for your efforts in supporting various financial inclusion efforts. Big up NMB
” she said.
