By Charles Mkoka
CRDB Bank, the largest private universal bank in Tanzania, has taken a bold step in its digital transformation journey by partnering with global payments solutions provider BPC.
In a strategic move aimed at reshaping its technological backbone, CRDB has migrated its entire acquiring and issuing systems to BPC’s next-generation SmartVista platform—a decision that’s already redefining the bank’s operational landscape across Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This transition wasn’t just about keeping pace with global banking trends. CRDB was in search of a future-ready, scalable platform—one that could seamlessly support its expanding footprint while enabling the swift rollout of innovative card products.
The SmartVista platform ticked all the boxes: robust multi-institutional capabilities, advanced integration with existing systems, and a modular microservices architecture that makes continuous innovation possible without disruption.
Migrating to the SmartVista platform has empowered CRDB Bank to consolidate its diverse ecosystem under one digital roof. The result? A marked improvement in operational efficiency, full compliance with international payment schemes and PCI-DSS standards, and a more agile foundation for future growth.
From its main operations to subsidiaries in Burundi and DR Congo—and even affiliate institutions like Amana, Vision Fund, and KCBL (now part of bank CBT)—the entire network has been seamlessly onboarded into this modern digital infrastructure.
One of the most tangible outcomes of the transformation is CRDB’s vastly expanded card-issuing capabilities. The bank can now issue the full spectrum of card types, from corporate and virtual cards to loyalty programs and specialized solutions like fuel and hospital cards.
It also supports major international brands including Visa, Mastercard, and UPI. On the acquiring side, CRDB’s POS network now welcomes global card brands while offering value-added services such as cardless ATM withdrawals, utility payments, foreign currency exchange, and dynamic currency conversion.
This technological leap didn’t happen in isolation. The SmartVista platform was tightly integrated with CRDB’s mobile banking app, Sim banking, and its Wakala agent network, creating a fluid, omnichannel experience for customers.
Whether banking from a smartphone in urban Dar es Salaam or using agent banking services in remote villages, CRDB’s customers now enjoy a more connected, seamless financial journey.
The numbers speak volumes. Over 4.5 million cards have already been issued since the platform migration—an early indicator of the transformation’s scale and impact. But beyond statistics, this shift has allowed CRDB to stay true to its mission: to deliver modern, secure, and accessible financial services while deepening financial inclusion across East and Central Africa.
“This migration has been a game-changer,” said Abdulmajid Nsekela, Group CEO of CRDB Bank. “We needed a solution that wasn’t just technically sound but aligned with our vision of delivering innovative, customer-centric banking across our network.
Partnering with BPC gave us the flexibility, security, and scalability to move forward with confidence. It’s not just a systems upgrade—it’s a strategic evolution in how we serve our communities.”
Echoing this sentiment, Grant Truter, BPC’s Chief Commercial Officer for Business Development and SaaS Operations in MEA, emphasized the collaborative spirit of the project. “We’re proud that CRDB chose to trust BPC with such a critical phase of its transformation.
Our SmartVista platform is built for institutions that think beyond today, and CRDB is one of them. This partnership is about more than payments; it’s about enabling inclusive growth and sustainable innovation.”
As CRDB Bank continues to deliver on its 2023–2027 strategy, anchored in strengthening core operations, expanding regional reach, and embracing innovation, this digital leap forward underscores the bank’s enduring commitment to shaping the future of banking in Africa.
And with an agile infrastructure now in place, it’s clear that CRDB is not just keeping up with the digital age—it’s helping to define it.