CRDB Bank has strengthened its commitment to supporting Tanzania’s creative economy by continuing to nurture young talent, promote innovation and create opportunities for youth to transform their abilities into sustainable livelihoods.
The commitment was highlighted during the grand finale of the 16th season of CRDB Bank Bongo Star Search, where the bank said the talent competition has become an important platform for identifying, developing and empowering young artists across East Africa.
Speaking at the event held in Dar es Salaam, CRDB Bank Director of Small and Medium Customers, Bonaventura Paul, said the competition reflects the bank’s broader commitment to youth empowerment by providing platforms where creativity and entrepreneurship can thrive.
“Today is not only a victory for Praise Wisdom, but a victory for young people across Tanzania and East Africa. We have witnessed outstanding talent, discipline, creativity and determination that enabled contestants to reach this stage,” he said.
The season’s finale featured contestants from Tanzania, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), demonstrating the competition’s growing regional influence in promoting artistic talent and cultural exchange.
Bonaventura encouraged participants to continue investing in creativity, originality and professional growth, urging them to use their talents not only for entertainment but also as a tool for education, social awareness and community development.
He said CRDB Bank would continue supporting young innovators and creatives through accessible financial services, financial literacy programmes, entrepreneurship training and opportunities that enable them to build sustainable businesses from their talents.
“Creative ideas, projects and businesses require the right support to grow. At CRDB Bank, we believe that when young people are given the right opportunities, their talents can become sources of employment, income and economic growth,” he said.
The 16th season marked the first partnership between CRDB Bank and Benchmark Productions, the organisers of Bongo Star Search, in a collaboration aimed at expanding opportunities for young people in the creative sector.
The winner of this year’s competition received a new car and a cash prize of TZS 50 million, highlighting the growing value placed on youth creativity and innovation.
Bonaventura said CRDB Bank was attracted to the partnership because of Bongo Star Search’s long history of discovering and developing young talents, helping them gain confidence and preparing them to compete in the professional entertainment industry.
“Over the years, Bongo Star Search has played a significant role in identifying talents and giving young people a platform to pursue their dreams. This aligns with our vision of supporting initiatives that create opportunities for the next generation,” he said.
He added that the success of the competition over 16 seasons demonstrates the importance of continued investment in youth, especially as creativity, technology and innovation become increasingly important drivers of economic growth.
Bonaventura congratulated the organisers, judges, contestants and fans for making the 2026 edition successful, while calling for continued improvements to ensure future seasons deliver greater value to participants and audiences.
Benchmark Productions Chief Executive Officer Rita Paulsen expressed appreciation to CRDB Bank for supporting the competition, saying the partnership would help the organisers reach more young people and strengthen the platform.
“We thank CRDB Bank for standing with us. We are committed to improving the competition so that more young people can benefit. The bank’s youth-focused financial services will also provide valuable support to creative entrepreneurs,” Rita said.
The partnership between CRDB Bank and Bongo Star Search highlights the increasing role of the private sector in supporting Tanzania’s creative industry, which continues to emerge as an important source of employment, entrepreneurship and economic opportunities for young people.
