By Our Reporter, Zanzibar
The Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB) has announced plans to open an official office in Zanzibar, a move aimed at bringing its financial services closer to stakeholders across the islands.
Currently, TADB provides regional services in Zanzibar from its offices located at the ZURA Building on Maisara Street.
The announcement was made on Monday in Unguja by TADB Chief Executive Officer, Frank Nyabundege, during a stakeholder iftar event attended by key government officials, including Dr. Juma Malik Akili, Minister of Finance and Planning representing the President of Zanzibar, Minister of Agriculture Suleiman Masoud Makame, Minister of State in the Office of the Second Vice President for Policy, Coordination and the House of Representatives Hamza Hassan Juma, and Minister of Blue Economy Masoud Ali.
Nyabundege said the opening of a formal TADB office in Zanzibar will increase access to financial services and professional advisory support for farmers, pastoralists, and fishermen in the region.
Since its establishment, TADB has provided comprehensive financial services in Zanzibar, disbursing loans totaling TZS 12.47 billion across Unguja and Pemba.
The bank has also promoted investment in 49 major projects, including agricultural produce processing (TZS 208 million), cold storage facilities (TZS 4.5 million), produce procurement from farmers (TZS 6.65 billion), irrigation systems (TZS 175 million), agricultural machinery (TZS 153 million), farm inputs (TZS 1.6 billion), livestock (TZS 1.14 billion), loans for women and youth (TZS 1.07 billion), and financing of assets such as trucks, sheds, and animal shelters (TZS 1.94 billion).
TADB has strengthened value chains, with the most successful being cloves (TZS 6.54 billion), poultry (TZS 3.58 billion), and dairy (TZS 1.17 billion). Other value chains, including maize, rice, fruits, and vegetables, received TZS 420 million in support.
Nyabundege noted that a total of 571 beneficiaries have been supported by TADB, including 221 women, 350 men, and 165 youth.
“Beyond loan disbursement, the bank recognizes the importance of fulfilling its social responsibility. Today, we have provided support to various special groups in the community,” he said.
The support included farm inputs, financial aid, and food assistance, targeting vulnerable groups, particularly children with special needs.
He added that TADB has donated aid to two centers for children with special needs in Zanzibar and is planning initiatives to empower youth, women, and men to promote agriculture and livestock activities across the islands.
Nyabundege expressed gratitude to the government for creating an enabling environment that allows institutions like TADB to serve farmers, pastoralists, and fishermen nationwide.
“Government policies and plans have provided strong momentum for the growth of the agricultural sector, which is a key pillar of our national economy,” he said. “We aim to continue close collaboration with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that agriculture, livestock, and fisheries continue to grow and contribute significantly to economic development and citizens’ welfare.”
He concluded by thanking all participants for attending and strengthening partnerships with TADB during the event.
