CRDB Bank has strengthened its long-standing partnership with the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania by donating sports equipment and prizes worth about TZS 450 million to support the upcoming CRDB Bank Bunge Grand Bonanza 2026, scheduled to take place on June 20 at Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma.
The contribution is aimed at promoting sports, health, and unity among Members of Parliament, parliamentary staff, and other participants, while also reinforcing collaboration between the private sector and public institutions in national development.
The sponsorship by CRDB Bank, through its foundation arm, reflects the bank’s broader commitment to social development beyond financial services.
The equipment handed over includes football kits, netball gear, basketball items, volleyball equipment, medals, and trophies that will be used during various competitions at the Bonanza.
The event is expected to bring together lawmakers and staff who will compete in several sporting disciplines, including football, netball, volleyball, basketball, as well as indoor games such as draft and cards.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, CRDB Bank Director of Communications and Executive Director of CRDB Bank Foundation, Tully Esther Mwambapa, said the institution is proud of its strong and growing relationship with the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania and its members, who are also key customers of the bank through its extensive branch network across the country.
She said the partnership goes beyond banking services, emphasizing that CRDB Bank continues to invest in community development programmes that empower citizens and promote inclusive growth.
She highlighted the bank’s Imbeju programme, implemented through CRDB Bank Foundation, which focuses on financial literacy, supporting entrepreneurship, and expanding access to capital for ordinary Tanzanians.
“Our cooperation does not end in financial services alone. It is strengthened through social development initiatives, including the Imbeju programme, which is designed to build financial literacy, promote inclusive economic growth, and empower citizens with access to capital,” Mwambapa said.
She added that the Bunge Grand Bonanza has become an important platform that brings together Parliament, business institutions, development partners, and citizens in a shared space of interaction and engagement.
According to her, the event also plays a key role in encouraging physical exercise and raising awareness on the importance of healthy lifestyles as a preventive measure against non-communicable diseases.
The value of the donated equipment, which stands at TZS 450 million, underscores CRDB Bank’s continued investment in national sports development and its role in strengthening partnerships with public institutions.
The bank has consistently supported the Bonanza as part of its corporate social responsibility agenda, which prioritizes health, youth engagement, and national cohesion.
Receiving the donation, Bunge Bonanza Committee Chairperson Festo Sanga expressed appreciation for CRDB Bank’s continued support, noting that the Bonanza is traditionally held towards the end of the parliamentary budget session as a way of bringing lawmakers and staff together in a more relaxed and interactive environment.
He said the event has grown over the years into an important national gathering that promotes unity, fitness, and social interaction among leaders and stakeholders.
He also invited residents of Dodoma and surrounding areas to attend in large numbers to witness the unique event that combines sports, entertainment, and national unity.
The 2026 edition of the Bonanza is expected to begin with a community walk, followed by indoor games such as draft and cards.
In the afternoon, Members of Parliament will compete against diplomatic teams representing various countries, while in netball and basketball, parliamentary teams will face CRDB Bank staff teams.
Sanga, who has previously participated in the CRDB Bank Marathon in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, said sports continue to play an important role in strengthening international relations and diplomacy.
He noted that this year’s Bonanza has expanded its scope by inviting ambassadors to participate, further strengthening what he described as sports diplomacy.
When you attend similar events in other countries, you realize the power of sports diplomacy in bringing people together regardless of their economic or social status, he said.
This year we have invited ambassadors to expand cooperation and strengthen sports diplomacy between Tanzania and our partner countries.
As preparations continue, the CRDB Bank Bunge Grand Bonanza 2026 is expected to not only deliver competitive sporting action but also reinforce unity, wellness, and cooperation between leaders, institutions, and the wider public.
