Finance Minister Khamis Mussa Omar has praised NMB Bank for its contribution to Tanzania's economy, citing its role in government revenue collection, financial inclusion and support for national development.
Speaking during a meeting with an NMB delegation led by the bank's Chief Executive Officer, Ruth Zaipuna, at the Ministry of Finance's sub-office in Dar es Salaam, Mr Omar described the lender as one of the government's key financial partners.
He said the bank had continued to deliver strong results while supporting public sector operations through tax collection services, dividend payments and the provision of financial solutions to individuals, businesses and public institutions.
"Overall, you have done a good job, including in dividend payments. We expect our partnership to continue expanding, particularly in revenue collection and the delivery of financial services that support the country's development agenda," Mr Omar said.
The minister said the government remained encouraged by the bank's performance and would continue working with NMB to strengthen the financial sector and improve service delivery.
He also welcomed the implementation of NMB's new five-year strategic plan, expressing confidence that it would accelerate the bank's growth, expand access to financial services and reinforce its position as one of Tanzania's leading financial institutions.
Mr Omar noted that the partnership between the government and NMB creates opportunities to support strategic development projects and improve access to banking services across the country.
NMB Chief Executive Officer Ruth Zaipuna said the bank had introduced a new digital lending product that enables customers to access loans of up to TZS2 million without visiting a branch.
She said the platform uses customers' transaction histories to assess their eligibility and determine loan limits, reducing processing time and improving access to credit.
According to Ms Zaipuna, the facility is expected to benefit small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), women entrepreneurs and other customers seeking working capital to expand their businesses.
She said the bank was also strengthening financial literacy programmes to help borrowers make informed financial decisions, use credit productively and maintain healthy repayment records.
Beyond its commercial operations, Ms Zaipuna said NMB continued to invest in community development through corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Among the projects is the construction and renovation of a school for children with special needs in Bahi District, Dodoma Region, as part of activities marking the bank's 25th anniversary.
She added that NMB would continue investing in digital innovation while working with the government and other stakeholders to expand access to secure, efficient and inclusive banking services, supporting Tanzania's broader economic transformation.
