Startups reimagining farming through digital mechanization.

In the heart of the country, where smallholder farmers have long relied on traditional tools like hoes and ox-plows, a new generation of agricultural startups is sowing the seeds of transformation.

Young entrepreneurs are reimagining farming by introducing affordable mechanization solutions that are bridging the productivity gap and driving food security.

One such trailblazer is Greenbiz Limited, a startup based in Kisongo, Arusha. This is a platform that captures what farmers are already doing, how much they save weekly, how they repay loans, and their farming activities and turns that into a digital credit profile.

Co-founder Daniel Elibariki says that the idea was born from a simple but powerful realization: rural farmers, especially women, were doing everything right; saving weekly, working hard, and forming cooperative groups, yet remained locked out of formal finance because they lacked collateral. 

“We saw these groups, known as Village Community Bank (VICOBA), as a foundation we could build on.

 By digitizing their financial records and aggregating their data, we realized we could build a trust bridge between these farmers and banks. That’s how the journey started out of a desire to make finance fairer and more inclusive for the people who need it most,” he says.

The startup addresses the financing gap for smallholder farmers, particularly the lack of access to credit due to traditional collateral requirements.

Agriculture contributes over 25 percent to Tanzania’s GDP, yet most smallholder farmers still rely on informal lending or personal savings. Without finance, there's no mechanization, no inputs, and no scaling. Given the growing threats from climate change and food insecurity, closing this gap has never been more urgent.

The company uses the profiles to secure collateral-free loans from partner banks and integrates agricultural advisory and sensor technology to help farmers make data-driven decisions and the result is that a farmer wakes up not just hoping for rain, but knowing when to plant, how much to borrow, and where to improve.

 

“We are focused on micro-mechanization, tools and technologies that fit the scale and budget of smallholder farmers. Things like soil sensors, drip irrigation kits, and precision planting tools. These might seem small, but for a farmer using only hand tools, they’re game-changers. We're filling the gap between traditional labor and full-scale mechanization, which is often unaffordable or unsuitable for small farms,” Elibariki says.

Elibariki says that one of the biggest hurdles in their operations has been digital and financial literacy.

“Farmers need to understand not just how to use our platform or devices, but why they matter. That’s why training is central to our model. We host in-person sessions and partner with local leaders and youth to serve as digital champions in each village. Building trust has also been key, most rural communities have been burned by “solutions” that disappeared after a pilot,” he adds.

Grenbiz Limited is among the beneficiaries of KilimoTech Accelerator. The brainchild of Youth Entrepreneurship for the Future of Food and Agriculture (YEFFA), the strategic initiative is supported by Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and implemented by Sahara Accelerator and aims to accelerate digital innovations in agricultural mechanization for Tanzania's smallholder farmers.

Emmanuel Senzighe, Kilimotech Accelerator Project Manager, says that The project focuses on enhancing productivity and sustainability in the sunflower, maize, horticulture, and rice value chains by supporting Agritech startups (Agripreneurs) and fostering partnerships among key stakeholders.

The program focuses on scaling Agritech startups (Agripreneurs) by providing tailored support, technical and business diagnostics, and technical mentorship. By connecting young women and men SMEs to mechanization, irrigation, and financial service providers, Kilimotech Accelerator fosters a vibrant ecosystem of innovators, startups, and key stakeholders.

This comprehensive approach aims to enhance the productivity of Tanzania’s agriculture sector by leveraging digital platforms to address key barriers such as high equipment costs, limited system integration, and restricted access to financing.

It further enables the most underserved farmers, particularly youth and smallholders, to leapfrog into modern mechanization by making essential technologies more accessible, affordable, and readily available.

   

“GreenBiz is one of nine innovative solutions currently being accelerated with tailored support to refine their offerings and develop proof-of-concept models that can enable scalable impact. The Accelerator is committed to driving sustainable growth and market readiness for these startups through mentorship, targeted workshops, ecosystem engagement, and strategic collaboration, ultimately aiming to expand youth employment and enhance access to mechanization services,” he adds.

      

As for Elibariki, KilimoTech has been instrumental in the growth of their startup and they see a brighter future on the horizon.

“The mentorship helped us refine our product-market fit, the network connected us with potential partners, and the exposure has opened doors to potential investors and partners we wouldn’t have accessed on our own. It’s been a catalyst for our next phase of growth,” he says. 

He notes that they expect a twofold impact from their operations: increased productivity through timely decision-making and smart investments, and a shift in labor dynamics where technology eases the burden on women and youth.

 

“With access to finance and mechanization tools, farmers can cultivate more land, reduce post-harvest losses, and generate higher incomes. Over time, we hope to see less outmigration of rural youth and more pride in farming as a tech-driven profession,” he says.

According to Elibariki, despite their expectations, their journey has not been devoid of surprises or memorable moments.

“One Maasai woman in our pilot group told us that for the first time in her life, she feels like a "bankable" person. That word “bankable” really stuck with us.

 It’s not just about money. It’s about dignity, confidence, and a sense of being seen and valued by the formal system,” he says.

Still, challenges remain. Agritech is tough because you’re dealing with two notoriously hard sectors, agriculture and finance.

 Getting banks to trust community data and getting farmers to trust tech requires patience and consistency, says Elibariki.

“We’ve faced setbacks in infrastructure, resistance to change, and even skepticism from funders. But the impact we’ve seen makes it all worthwhile,” he adds.

Mechanization has traditionally been the missing link in Africa’s agricultural development. 

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, over 60 percent of sub-Saharan farmers still rely on hand tools. But startups are now stepping into this gap with technology tailored to local realities.

Creating an enabling environment for agri-tech startups means investing not just in individual ventures but in the ecosystem itself. 

Governments, donors, and private sector actors have a role to play in supporting research, building infrastructure (like rural connectivity), and shaping policies that promote innovation.

As the digital revolution sweeps through agriculture, the startups that will succeed are those with both the tools to build and the vision to lead. 

By equipping innovators with the right mix of business savvy and technical depth, we can unlock the full potential of technology to power a more resilient and productive future for farming.

And hopefully, somewhere out there, investors are taking note.

Read More

WATU 12,000 WAHOFIWA KUUGUA UGONJWA WA HIMOFILIA NCHINI

Waziri wa Afya wa Zanzibar, Mhe. Nassor Ahmed Mazrui (katikati), akika utepe kuashiria uzinduzi wa kliniki ya himofilia, sambamba na maadhimisho ya Siku ya Himofilia Duniani katika hafla iliyofanyika katika Hospitali ya Wilaya ya Ijitimai, Visiwani Zanzibar, jana. Pamoja naye ni wawakilishi kutoka Chama cha Himofilia Tanzania (HST), Taasisi ya himofilia ya novo nordisk, Wizara za afya kutoka Tanzania na Zanzibar, Hospitali ya Taifa Muhimbili, Chama cha Himofilia Duniani na wadau wengine.

Na mwandishi wetu, Zanzibar.

TAKWIMU zinaonyesha kati ya watu elfu sita hadi elfu 12, wanahofiwa kuugua ugonjwa wa himofilia nchini huku idadi ya watu waliogundulika kuwa na ugonjwa huo hadi sasa wakiwa ni 451 pekee.

Hayo yalisemwa na Waziri wa Afya wa Zanzibar, Mhe. Nassor Ahmed Mazrui katika hafla ya maadhimisho ya Siku ya Himofilia Duniani iliyofanyika pamoja na uzinduzi wa Kliniki ya Himofilia, katika Hospitali ya Wilaya ya Ijitimai, Visiwani humo jana.

Hafla hiyo iliandaliwa na Chama cha Himofilia Tanzania (HST), kwa uwezeshaji kutoka Taasisi ya himofilia ya novo nordisk na Chama cha Himofilia Duniani kwa ushirikiano kutoka Serikali ya Tanzania na ya Zanzibar, wizara za afya kutoka pande zote mbili, Hospitali ya Taifa Muhimbili na wadau wengine.

Mheshimiwa waziri alisema takwimu za kidunia zinaonesha mtu mmoja kati ya 10 anapatikana na ugonjwa huo, hii ikimanisha kuwa Tanzania yenye watu takribani milioni 61 inaweza kuwa na wagonjwa elfu 6 hadi elfu 12, huku ikielezwa 97% ya watu wenye ugonjwa huu duniani kote hawajagundulika, ambapo kwa upande wa Tanzania waliogundulika mpaka sasa ni 451 tu.

“Kama tunavyofahamu himofilia ni ugonjwa wa damu kukosa uwezo wa kuganda unaosababishwa na ukosefu wa kiwango cha chembechembe za protini zinazotakiwa kugandisha damu hivyo kusababisha damu kuvuja kwa mda mrefu pindi mtu anavyopata jeraha hivyo kuhatarisha maisha yake."

“Maisha ya watu wenye matatizo haya yanahitaji uangalizi mkubwa na tahadhari kubwa ili kuzuia uvujaji wa damu, ulemavu na vifo hivyo kuwepo na hitaji la kubaini aina ya himofilia na kupata matibabu ya kuchomwa sindano yenye chembechembe za protini zinazokosekana mwilini ili kusaidia kuzalisha damu”, alisema Waziri Mazrui.

Alisema Mwaka 2020 Hospitali ya Taifa ya Muhimbili ikishirikiana na Taasisi ya himofilia ya Novo Nordisk ilianzisha mradi wa kuongeza kasi ya upatikanaji wa huduma kwa watu wenye magonjwa ya damu lengo kuu ikiwa ni kuunga mkono serikali ya Tanzania kupitia Wizara ya afya katika kupunguza madhara ya vifo vinavyotokana na magonjwa yasiyo ambukiza ikiwemo himofilia na selimundu.

Pamoja na hayo alisema, lengo kubwa la mradi huu ni kuwezesha upatikanaji wa vipimo vya wagonjwa wa damu, seli mundu, na himofilia katika hospitali za rufaa nchini sambamba na kuanzisha kliniki za magonjwa hayo, kuwezesha mafunzo na upatikanaji wataalamu wa afya waliobobea kwenye hospitali hizo pamoja na upatikanaji wa miundo mbinu sahihi, vipimo na dawa ili wagonjwa wahudumiwe mahali popote nchini bila kulazimika kufika Muhimbili.

“Katika maadhimisho haya leo nina furaha kubwa kuwaambia kuwa mradi huu katika kipindi cha uhai wake kuanzia kipindi cha kwanza hadi kipindi cha pili tayari umefanikisha kukamilisha ukarabati wa kliniki za himofilia katika hospitali 13 zikiwemo hospitali za Muhimbili, KCMC, mbeya na Bugando."

“Tunawashukuru pia wafadhili wetu kwa msaada wa dawa zenye thamani ya shs milioni 500, kwa kweli mmetusaidia sana na vifaa nyenye gharama kubwa, chini ya uongozi wa maraisi wetu, Samia Suluhu Hassan na Hussein Ali Mwinyi, tunaendelea kufanya kazi usiku na mchana kuhakikisha kila mtanzania anapata matibabu kwa usahihi na kwa wakati, hivyo juhudi zenu hizi zinatufanya twende sambamba na juhudi za viongozi wetu hawa”, aliongeza waziri huyo.

Akizungumzia zaidi kuhusu himofilia, Mwenyekiti wa Chama cha Himofilia Tanzania (HST), Dk. Stella Rwezaura alisema, asilimia 70 ya wagonjwa wa himofilia wanarithi na inabebwa katika kinasaba cha kike, kwani mwanamke ana ‘x’ mbili na mwanaume ana ‘xy’, hivyo endapo mwanamke ana ‘x’ yenye vinasaba vya himofilia, asilimia 50 ya watoto wake wa kiume watakuwa na tatizo hilo hivyo kufanya asilimia 99 ya wagonjwa wa himofilia kuwa wanaume.

“Tunaposherehea Siku ya Himofilia Duniani, sambamba na Kauli Mbiu ya Mwaka 2025 isemayo, ‘Wanawake na Wasichana pia wanakumbwa na tatizo la kuvuja damu, licha ya himofilia kuwapata zaidi wanaume, tuwaite wanawake waje kupima, waweze kutambulika mapema hivyo kupata matibabu sahihi."

“Lengo la mradi huu ni kuwatambua wagonjwa wengi zaidi na kupata huduma kwani wapo wengi wenye tatizo hili na hii ilitokana na changamoto ya uhaba wa vifaa, mashine na vitendanishi vya kutambua ugonjwa huu, hivyo kwa msaada wa wafadhili, vyama vya wagonjwa pamoja na serikali yetu sikivu ya Tanzania, ikiongozwa na Rais Samia Suluhu Hassan pamoja Rais wa Zanzibar, Dk. Hussein Mwinyi, wizara yake ya afya na wadau wengine, huduma hizi sasa zinafika karibu kwa wananchi kwa usahihi zaidi”, aliongeza Dk. Stella.

Naye mmoja wa wagonjwa wa Himofilia ambaye pia anauguza watoto wawili wenye ugonjwa huo, Regina Shirima alisema anakabiliwa na changamoto kubwa ya hali duni ya kiuchumi baada ya kutumia muda wake mwingi katika kuhudumia watoto hivyo kutokuwa na muda kabisa wa kujishughulisha na kazi za kujitafutia kipato.

“changamoto nyingine ni kwa watoto wenyewe hawapati muda wa kusoma, kucheza na wenzao ama kuwa na furaha kwani muda mwingi wanakuwa wagonjwa, lakini ni ukweli kuwa wanawake ndio wanabeba vinasaba vya himofilia, lawama nyingi zinakuja kwetu kwa kuzaa watoto wenye changamoto hii, hivyo unajikuta familia imekuacha”. Akiongeza kuwa kuna wakati kulikuwa na changamoo ya upatikanaji wa dawa ukizingatia kuwa mgonjwa wa himofilia akikosa dawa tu anaweza uhai wake unakuwa hatarini.

“Natoa wito kwa jamii kuwa gonjwa hili la himofilia lipo na mama sio anayesababisha mtoto kuzaliwa na ugonjwa huu, kwani huwezi kupata mtoto bila ya baba”, aliongeza Bi. Regina kwa mshangao.

Awali akizungumza katika hafla hiyo, Mwenyekiti wa Bodi ya Chama cha Himofilia Tanzania (HST), Dk. Lawrence Museru alisema HST imekuwa sauti ya wenye ugonjwa wa himofilia katika kuangalia changamoto wanazopitia katika kutafuta tiba, moja ya changaoto ni utambuzi wa ugonjwa huu katika jamii.

“Wagojwa wamekuja kutambulika baada ya kupoteza maisha ama kupata ulemavu wa kudumu kwasababu ugonjwa huo haukutambulika hivyo tunaokoa sauti yao kuona jamii na watoa huduma za afya wanatambua ugonjwa huo na wagonjwa wanapata tiba sahihi."

“Tiba sahihi ni ghali sana na serikali haiwezi peke yake, hivyo lazima uwepo ushirikiano kutoka kwa sisi chama ambacho kina wataalamu na wadau wengine ili kuusemea ugonjwa huu, na tunaimani uwepo wako mheshimiwa waziri unafanya ugonjwa huu usemeke katika vyombo vya maaumuzi”, alisema Prof. Museru.

Akimkaribisha Mheshimiwa Waziri, Mkurugenzi wa Tiba na Elimu ya Afya Zanzibar, Dk. Marijani Msafiri alisema katika kipindi cha miaka minne, Serikali ya Mapinduzi Zanzibar chini ya uongozi wa Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi imefanya mapinduzi makubwa katika kuboresha huduma za afya, ikiwa ni pamoja na ujenzi wa hospitali 10 za wilaya na hospitali moja kubwa ya kisasa ya mkoa ya Lumumba.

“Ndani ya hospitali hizi sasa tumeimarisha miundombinu na huduma, serikali yetu ya awamu na nane pia imeamua kufanya kazi na sekta binafsi ili kutoa huduma bora kwa wagonjwa wote ikiwa ni pamoja na wagonjwa wa himofilia, zikiwemo huduma za maabara, utoaji wa dawa na uendeshaji wa hospitali”, alisema Dk. Msafiri.

Waziri wa Afya wa Zanzibar, Mhe. Nassor Ahmed Mazrui (katikati), akiagana na Mwenyekiti wa Chama cha Himofilia Tanzania (HST), Dk. Stella Rwezaura, mara baada ya maadhimisho ya Siku ya Himofilia Duniani iliyofanyika pamoja na uzinduzi wa Kliniki ya Himofilia, katika Hospitali ya Wilaya ya Ijitimai, Visiwani Zanzibar jana. Mstari wa chini ni baadhi ya watoto wanaougua ugonjwa wa himofilia.

Mwenyekiti wa Bodi ya Chama cha Himofilia Tanzania (HST), Prof. Lawrence Museru (katikati), akiongoza maandamano kuadhimisha Siku ya Himofilia Duniani, Visiwani Zanzibar jana. Maadhimisho hayo yalifanyika pamoja na uzinduzi wa kliniki ya Himofilia katika Hospitali ya Wilaya ya Ijitimai, visiwani humo.

Waziri wa Afya wa Zanzibar, Mhe. Nassor Ahmed Mazrui (kushoto), akipokea cheti cha shukurani, kutoka kwa Mwenyekiti wa Chama cha Himofilia Tanzania (HST), Dk. Stella Rwezaura, mara baada ya maadhimisho ya Siku ya Himofilia Duniani, pamoja na uzinduzi wa Kliniki ya Himofilia, katika hafla iliyofanyika kwenye Hospitali ya Wilaya ya Ijitimai, Visiwani Zanzibar, jana.

Mkazi wa Zanzibar, Baba mwenye watoto wawili wanaougua himofilia, Suleiman Ali Seif, akishiriki matembezi akiwa na watoto wake wenye ugonjwa huo, Murshin Ali (kulia), na Sahir Ali, wakati wa maadhimisho ya Siku ya Himofilia Duniani, mjini Zanzibar jana. Maadhimisho hayo yaliyofanyika pamoja na uzinduzi wa Kliniki ya Himofilia, yaliandaliwa na Chama cha Himofilia Tanzania (HST), kwa uwezeshaji kutoka Taasisi ya himofilia ya novo nordisk na Chama cha Himofilia Duniani. Himofilia ni ugonjwa wa damu kukosa uwezo wa kuganda unaosababishwa na ukosefu wa kiwango cha chembechembe za protini zinazotakiwa kugandisha damu hivyo kusababisha damu kuvuja kwa mda mrefu pindi mtu anavyopata jeraha hivyo kuhatarisha maisha yake.

Waziri wa Afya wa Zanzibar, Mhe. Nassor Ahmed Mazrui (kushoto), akisalimiana na Mwenykiti wa Bodi ya Chama cha Himofilia Tanzania, Prof. Lawrence Museru, wakati akipokea maandamano, yaliyokuwa sehemu ya shamrashamra za maadhinisho ya Siku ya Homifilia Duniani, sambamba na uzinduzi wa Kliniki ya Himofilia, katika Hospitali ya Wilaya ya Ijitimai, mjini Zanzibar, jana.

Mmoja wa wadau wa himofilia, akipokea cheti cha shukurani, mara baada ya kukamilika kwa hafla ya maadhimisho Siku ya Homifilia Duniani, sambamba na uzinduzi wa Kliniki ya Himofilia, katika Hospitali ya Wilaya ya Ijitimai, mjini Zanzibar, jana.

Waziri wa Afya wa Zanzibar, Mhe. Nassor Ahmed Mazrui (katikati), akiwa na wawakilishi kutoka Chama cha Himofilia Tanzania (HST), Taasisi ya himofilia ya novo nordisk, Wizara za afya kutoka Tanzania na Zanzibar, Hospitali ya Taifa Muhimbili, Chama cha Himofilia Duniani na wadau wengine katika hafla ya maadhimisho ya Siku ya Himofilia Duniani iliyofanyika pamoja na uzinduzi wa Kliniki ya Himofilia, katika Hospitali ya Wilaya ya Ijitimai, Visiwani Zanzibar jana.

Read More

AKIBA COMMERCIAL BANK YATOA ELIMU YA KIFEDHA KWA WATEJA WAKE KARIAKOO

Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa Akiba Commercial Bank Plc, Silvest Arumasi (kushoto), akiwa Kwenye kikao na wateja na wajasiriamali (SMEs) kutoka Kariakoo, katikati ya kitovu cha biashara Afrika Mashariki, ili kujadili changamoto zao na kushirikiana mawazo kuhusu masuluhisho yanayoweza kukuza biashara zao hafla hiyo imefanyika hivi karibuni jijini Dar es Salaam. Kulia ni Afisa Mkuu wa Biashara wa Benki ya hiyo Bi Wesi Olivia.

Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa Akiba Commercial Bank Plc, Silvest Arumasi (katikati), akiwabkatika picha ya pamoja wateja na wajasiriamali (SMEs) kutoka Kariakoo, katikati ya kitovu cha biashara Afrika Mashariki, ili kujadili changamoto zao na kushirikiana mawazo kuhusu masuluhisho yanayoweza kukuza biashara zao

Mnamo tarehe 12/04/2025 Benki ya Akiba  ilifanya kikao na wateja wake na wajasiriamali (SMEs) kutoka Kariakoo, katikati ya kitovu cha biashara Afrika Mashariki, ili kujadili changamoto zao na kushirikiana mawazo kuhusu masuluhisho yanayoweza kukuza biashara zao. Hii ni sehemu ya juhudi zetu za kuwa karibu na wateja na kutekeleza dhamira yetu ya kuwawezesha wajasiriamali na kuimarisha elimu ya fedha, alisema Bi. Dora Saria Mkuu wa Kitengo cha masoko na Mawasiliano wa Benki hiyo.

Kwa upande wake Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa Benki hiyo Bwana Silvest Arumasi, alielezea furaha yake kwa kushirikiana moja kwa moja na wateja, akisema, "katika Benki yetu , tunaamini kwamba mafanikio ya wateja wetu ni mafanikio yetu. Tunajivunia sana kushirikiana na wajasiriamali wote nchini  katika  kusaidia  kukuza biashara zao kupitia elimu ya fedha, mikopo, na huduma za kidijitali."

Akizungumza katika tukio hilo, Bi. Wezi Olivia Mwazani, Afisa Mkuu wa Biashara wa Benki ya Akiba, alisisitiza umuhimu wa kujenga uhusiano ya kudumu na wateja kwa kutoa huduma za kifedha zinazolingana na mahitaji yao.

 "Tunafurahi kuwa na fursa ya kuzungumza na wateja wetu moja kwa moja, kuelewa changamoto zao na kutoa masuluhisho ya kifedha ambayo yatasaidia katika mafanikio yao ya muda mrefu."

Wateja waliokuwepo waliotoa  shukrani zao kwa juhudi hizo,  wakielezea jinsi fursa ya kushirikiana na Benki hiyo  ilivyo muhimu kwa ukuaji wa biashara zao. Wengi walielezea kuwa mpango huu wa elimu ya fedha na huduma za kidijitali utawawezesha kufanya biashara zao kwa ufanisi zaidi.

Bw. Silvest Arumasi, Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa ACB aliwashukuru wateja kwa uaminifu wao na ushirikiano wa muda mrefu, akiongeza, "Tunapenda kuwashukuru wateja wetu wa Kariakoo na maeneo mengine kwa ushirikiano wao ikiwa ni pamoja na kutuchagua na kutuamini. Pamoja, tutaendelea kuleta mabadiliko katika sekta ya SMEs na kusaidia katika maendeleo endelevu ya kiuchumi."

Benki ya Akiba  inaendelea  kutoa huduma za kibenki zinazolenga mahitaji ya wateja na kusaidia ukuaji wa biashara za watu binafsi, SMEs pamoja na makampuni makubwa na taasisi mbalimbali  kupitia huduma zinazokidhi mahitaji yao  na matumizi ya teknolojia ya kidijitali.

Read More

AKIBA COMMERCIAL BANK PLC YAPELEKA TABASAMU KWA WATOTO WENYE UHITAJI

 

Akiba Commercial Bank Plc Yapeleka Tabasamu Kituo cha Kulea Watoto- Chakuwama Sinza Dar es Salaam, 28/03/2025 – Katika kuendelea kujitoa kwa jamii, Akiba Commercial Bank Plc imetoa msaada kituo cha kulea Watoto cha Chakuwama, ikilenga kuboresha ustawi wa watoto na kuleta tabasamu kwenye nyuso zao.

Msaada huu, ambao unajumuisha mahitaji muhimu, unaonesha dhamira ya Benki hiyo ya kusaidia wenye uhitaji na kujenga matumaini kwa mustakabali mwema.

Akizungumza wakati wa makabidhiano, Bi. Dora Saria, Mkuu wa Kitengo cha Masoko na Mawasiliano wa Akiba Commercial Bank, alieleza kuwa Benki hiyo inaamini katika kuunga mkono jamii na kuleta mabadiliko chanya ya kudumu.

"Akiba Commercial Bank, tunaamini katika nguvu ya mshikamano katika kubadili maisha. Msaada huu ni hatua muhimu ya kuhakikisha ustawi wa watoto hawa na kuleta matumaini kwa wenye uhitaji kwa maisha bora yajayo," alisema Bi. Saria.

Kwa upande wake, Bw. Hassan Tabu, mwakilishi wa Kituo cha Chakuwama, aliishukuru Akiba Commercial Bank kwa ukarimu wake, akibainisha kuwa msaada huo utakuwa na mchango mkubwa katika kuboresha maisha ya watoto hao.

"Tunaishukuru sana Akiba Commercial Bank kwa kusimama nasi. Msaada huu utasaidia kwa kiasi kikubwa kukidhi mahitaji ya watoto na kuwapatia sababu ya kutabasamu," alisema.

Kupitia juhudi hizi, Akiba Commercial Bank Plc inathibitisha tena dhamira yake ya kuwajibika kwa jamii kwa vitendo, ikilenga kuleta mabadiliko chanya na ya kudumu kwa jamii inayoihudumia.

Read More

Benki ya Absa Tanzania na World Vision Tanzania Washirikiana Kuboresha Upatikanaji wa Maji katika Kijiji cha Kwedizinga

Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa Benki ya Absa Tanzania, Bw. Obedi Laiser (wa pili kushoto) na Mkurugenzi wa Miradi wa Shirika la World Vision Tanzania, Bi. Nesserian Mollel, wakisaini hati ya makubaliano jijini Dar es Salaam leo kwa ajili ya ushirikiano kwenye Mradi wa Maji katika Kijiji cha Kwedizinga, Wilaya ya Handeni mkoani Tanga. Benki ya Absa imetoa mchango wa TZS milioni 50 kwa ajili ya ujenzi wa kisima katika kijiji hicho kitakachowanufaisha wakazi zaidi ya 3,000, ambapo watoto wanawakilisha 55% ya idadi ya wakazi wa kijiji hicho.

Absa Bank Tanzania imetangaza ushirikiano wa kimkakati na Shirika la World Vision Tanzania ili kuboresha upatikanaji wa maji safi, usafi wa mazingira na watu katika kijiji cha Kwedizinga, Wilaya ya Handeni, Mkoa wa Tanga. Mpango huu unaonyesha dhamira ya Absa ya kuwawezesha jamii na kuwa chachu ya maendeleo chanya.

Kijiji cha Kwedizinga, ambacho kina vijiji vidogo saba na idadi ya watu takriban 4,000, kimekuwa kikikabiliwa na changamoto za kupata maji safi na salama. Hivi sasa, wakazi wanategemea mabwawa na mito ya msimu, hali inayosababisha ongezeko la magonjwa yanayotokana na maji na kuweka mzigo mkubwa kwa wanawake na watoto ambao mara nyingi husafiri zaidi ya kilomita 2 kila siku kutafuta maji.

Mradi huu unalenga kushughulikia changamoto hizi kupitia hatua kuu zifuatazo:

Uchunguzi wa Kihidrolojia na Uchimbaji wa Visima: Kufanya uchunguzi wa kina wa maji chini ya ardhi ili kubaini eneo linalofaa zaidi kwa ajili ya kisima chenye mavuno mengi, ikifuatiwa na uchimbaji hadi kina cha mita 180.

Mfumo wa Kusukuma Maji kwa Nguvu za Jua: Kufunga mfumo rafiki wa mazingira wa kusukuma maji kwa kutumia nishati ya jua ili kusafirisha maji kutoka kisimani hadi kwenye tanki la kuhifadhi lililoinuliwa.

Uhifadhi na Usambazaji wa Maji: Kujenga tanki la kuhifadhi maji lenye ujazo wa lita 50,000 na kuanzisha mtandao wa usambazaji maji wenye vituo vingi vya ukusanyaji, kuhakikisha kwamba vijiji vidogo vyote saba vinapata maji safi ndani ya mita 400, sambamba na viwango vya sera ya maji ya Tanzania.

Ushirikishwaji wa Jamii na Mafunzo: Kuunda na kutoa mafunzo kwa kamati ya watumiaji wa maji ili kusimamia mfumo wa usambazaji maji, kukuza mbinu endelevu, na kufanya uhamasishaji wa jamii kuhusu usafi wa mazingira na usafi binafsi.

Mpango huu unalingana na Malengo kadhaa ya Maendeleo Endelevu ya Umoja wa Mataifa, ikiwemo SDG 3 (Afya Bora na Ustawi), SDG 4 (Elimu Bora), na SDG 6 (Maji Safi na Usafi wa Mazingira). Pia unaunga mkono Awamu ya 3 ya Mpango wa Maendeleo ya Sekta ya Maji ya Tanzania (2022/2025), ambao unalenga kuwaunganisha mamilioni ya watu na vyanzo vipya na vilivyoboreshwa vya maji.

Absa Bank Tanzania imejitolea TZS 50,000,000 kuwezesha mradi huu, ikionyesha dhamira ya benki ya kuiwezesha Afrika ya Kesho, pamojaz, hatua moja baada ya nyingine.

Akizungumza katika hafla ya utiaji saini, Bw. Obedi Laiser, Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa Absa Bank Tanzania, alisisitiza dhamira ya benki ya kuwa chachu ya maendeleo chanya katika jamii wanazofanya kazi: "Katika Absa, tunaamini kwamba kila story ina umuhimu. Ushirikiano huu ni ushahidi wa lengo letu la kuiwezesha Afrika ya Kesho, pamoja, hatua moja baada ya nyingine. Kwa kutoa upatikanaji endelevu wa maji safi katika kijiji cha Kwedizinga, hatuboreshi tu afya na usafi wa mazingira, bali pia tunashughulikia masuala ya utofauti na ujumuishaji, fursa za kielimu, na kuwezesha ukuaji wa kiuchumi."

Bi. Nesserian Mollel, Mkurugenzi wa Uendeshaji wa World Vision Tanzania, pia alitoa maoni kuhusu ushirikiano huo: "World Vision imejitolea kufanya kazi na jamii kuleta maendeleo. Ushirikiano huu na Absa Bank Tanzania unaonyesha dhamira yetu ya kukuza mabadiliko ya kibinadamu. Pamoja, tunahakikisha kwamba watoto na familia katika kijiji cha Kwedizinga wanapata moja ya mahitaji ya msingi ya maisha - maji safi."

Mradi unatarajiwa kunufaisha moja kwa moja wakazi wote 3,890 wa kijiji cha Kwedizinga na kuwanufaisha kwa namna tofauti watu wengine 596 kutoka vijiji jirani, hatua muhimu kuelekea kuboresha afya, elimu, na matokeo ya kiuchumi katika eneo hilo.

Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa Benki ya Absa Tanzania, Bw. Obedi Laiser (wa tatu kushoto) akibadilishana hati ya makubaliano ya ushirikiano na Mkurugenzi wa Miradi wa Shirika la World Vision Tanzania, Bi. Nesserian Mollel, jijini Dar es Salaam leo, ambapo kupitia makubaliano hayo Benki ya Absa imetoa mchango wa TZS milioni 50 kwa ajili ya ujenzi wa kisima cha maji kitakachowanufaisha wakazi zaidi ya 3,000 wa Kijiji cha Kwedizinga, Wilaya ya Handeni Mkoani Tanga ambapo watoto wanawakilisha 55% ya idadi ya wakazi wa kijiji hicho.

Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa Benki ya Absa Tanzania, Bw. Obedi Laiser (katikati), Mkurugenzi wa Wateja wa Makampuni wa Absa Tanzania, Bi. Nellyana Mmanyi na Mkurugenzi wa Miradi wa Shirika la World Vision Tanzania, Bi. Nesserian Mollel wakifurahi jijini Dar es Salaam leo, muda mfupi mara baada ya kusaini hati ya makubaliano, kwa ajili ya ushirikiano katika Mradi wa Maji kwenye Kijiji cha Kwedizinga, Wilaya ya Handeni mkoani Tanga.

Read More

"Stori za Afya za Wanawake wa Tanzania zina thamani kwetu", Absa Bank

Baadhi ya Wafanyakazi Wanawake wa Benki ya Absa Tanzania kupitua umoja wao uitwao ‘Red Skirts’ wakiwa katika picha ya pamoja na madaktari pamoja na wagonjwa katika Hospitali ya CCBRT, baada ya kukabidhi msaada wa vifaa tiba kwa ajili ya wagonjwa wa fistula kama sehemu ya Maadhimisho ya Siku ya Wanawake Duniani, hospitalini hapo mwishoni mwa wiki.

Baadhi ya wafanyakazi wa benki ya Absa wakibeba msaada wa vifaa vitakavyosaidia huduma za watoto wanaozaliwa kabla ya muda (Njiti), kab;la hawajavikabidhi katika Hospitali ya Muhimbili jijini Dar es Salaam, ikiwa ni sehemu ya maadhimisho ya Siku ya Wanawake Duniani.

Meneja Rasilimali Watu wa Benki ya Absa Tanzania, Bi. Anna Chacha (wa saba kushoto) akikabidhi msaada wa vifaa tiba na vifaa muhimu vitakavyosaidia huduma za watoto wanaozaliwa kabla ya muda (Njiti) katika Hospitali ya Muhimbili kwa Mkuu wa Kitengo cha Watoto Wachanga, Dk. Martha Mkony, ikiwa ni sehemu ya maadhimisho ya siku ya wanawake duniani jijini Dar es Salaam mwishoni mwa wiki.

Mkurugenzi wa Kitengo cha Wateja Binafsi wa Benki ya Absa Tanzania, Bi. Ndabu Lilian Swere (kulia) akikabidhi msaada wa vifaa tiba kwa Mkuu wa Ubora na Huduma kwa Wateja wa Hospitali ya CCBRT, Bi. Emelda Lwena, kwa ajili ya wagonjwa wa fistula, kwenye jengo la mama na mtoto la hospitali hiyo, ikiwa ni sehemu ya maadhimisho ya Siku ya Wanawake Duniani jijini Dar es Salaam mwishoni mwa wiki.

WATOTO wanaozaliwa na changamoto mbalimbali katika Hospitali ya Muhimbili, sasa wanaweza kupata ahueni zaidi mara baada ya wafanyakazi wanawake wa Benki ya Absa Tanzania, kukabidhi msaada wa vifaa tiba na vifaa muhimu vya kusaidia watoto hao wanazaliwa kabla ya kufika wakati wa kujifungua.

Akizungumza wakati akipokea vifaa hivyo, Mkuu wa Kitengo cha Watoto Wachanga katika hospitali hiyo, Dk. Martha Mkony alitoa shukrani kwa wafanyakzi hao ikiwa ni sehemu ya Maadhimisho ya Siku ya Wanwake Duniani alisema msaada huo umekuja kwa wakati muafaka kwani utasaidia sana watoto wanaozaliwa kila siku katika hospitali hiyo.

“Nipende kuwashukuru sana wanawake wa Benki ya Absa kwenye kundi lao wanalojiita ‘Red Skirts’ kwa tendo hili la kijamii, na tunajua hii ni mwanzo wa mahusiano marefu kati ya Hospitali ya Taifa ya Muhimbili kitengo cha watoto wachanga pamoja na Benki ya Absa na tunaahidi kushikiriana kwa pamoja katika kuwahudumia watoto wachanga”, alisema Dr. Marha.

Akizumgumza wakati akibidhi vifaa hivyo, Meneja katika Kitengo cha Rasilimali Watu wa Benki ya Absa, Bi. Martha Chacha alisema, kwa kuthamini mchango wa wanawake katika maendeleo ya Taifa, pamoja na changamoto mbalimbali zinazowakabili, wanawake wa Benki ya Absa Tanzania, kupitia umoja wao wa ‘Red Skirt’ walikwenda kutoa misaada kwa wagonjwa wa fistula katika Hospitali ya CCBRT pamoja na kitengo cha Watoto Njiti katika Hospitali ya Muhimbili.

“Kwa niaba ya wanawake wenzangu tupo mahali hapa tukiwakisha benki yetu kutoa misaada hii, Benki ya Absa inajali Story za Wanawake wa Tanzania, Story za mafanikio ya kiafya na kiuchumi kwa wanawake zina umuhimu sana kwetu”, aliongeza Bi. Anna

Read More

Absa Group Reports 10% Increase in 2024 Earnings after Material Second-Half Recovery

     

Salient points

• Revenue increased 5% to R109.9 billion

• Operating costs rose 5% to R58.5 billion

• Cost-to-income ratio unchanged at 53.2%

• Pre-provision profit increased 5% to R51.4 billion

• Impairments decreased 8% to R14.3 billion

• Credit loss ratio improved to 103 basis points from 118 basis points

• Headline earnings increased 10% to R22.1 billion

• Return on equity grew to 14.8% (from 14.4%)

• Group CET 1 ratio improved to 12.6% (from 12.5%)

• Dividend per share increased 7% to R14.60 per share

Absa Group earnings increased 10% in 2024, underpinned by a material improvement in the second half, demonstrating meaningful progress after a disappointing first half. Earnings were driven by both a more supportive operating environment as well as deliberate steps taken to support performance.

“Our organisation rallied in the second half, refining our focus areas to ensure that our actions are targeted and precise in generating value and earnings uplift,” said Charles Russon, Interim Chief Executive Officer at Absa Group. “We are confident in our strategic direction and our ability to continue delivering value to our stakeholders while expanding access to innovative financial solutions across our markets.”

Absa Group’s financial performance in 2024 signals recovery and demonstrates improving franchise health. The Group made progress with recent strategic execution changes introduced to set the Group on a path to delivering appropriate returns.

Revenue increased by 5% and headline earnings increased 10%, bolstered by a reduction in retail impairments in South Africa. Non-interest revenue saw growth of 6%, reinforcing the strength of the Group’s underlying business and diversified income streams.

Enhanced risk management practices and improving customer financial health drove an 8% decline in impairment charges. Consequently, Absa reported a decline in the credit loss ratio (CLR) to end the year at 103 basis points, which remains slightly above the upper end of the group’s target range. CLR in the second half was 85 basis points.

The balance sheet remains strong, with a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 12.6% which is at the top-end of our target range and liquidity metrics are healthy.

While return on equity (RoE) remains below medium-term ambitions, the Group has made clear year-on-year progress, with a visible pathway toward achieving its 16% RoE target by 2026.

“Key structural improvements, including disciplined risk management, cost efficiencies, and optimised capital allocation, are starting to translate into improved results. Our stronger second-half performance gives us confidence that we are taking the right action to support delivery of a 16% RoE by 2026,” said Deon Raju, Absa Group Financial Director.

A key driver of the Group’s strong recovery in the second of the year was a strategic pivot towards prioritising sustainable growth over market share expansion. This ensured more disciplined capital allocation to higher-value sectors, refined pricing strategies to better reflect risk, and a shift from product profitability to customer franchise profitability, enabling better decision-making and performance tracking.

Growing customer numbers and digital adoption and improving customer experience remain a key priority for Absa. The Group expanded its total customer base by 4% to 12.7 million, with digitally active customers up 14% across the Group. Absa’s customer experience index improved to a weighted score of 101, from 96 in 2023, with improvements noted across all businesses. The Corporate and Investment Banking unit increased primacy to 42% from 40% as new clients leveraged our broader product set.

Enhanced customer experiences, supported by digital innovation and service enhancements, have contributed to increased engagement and stronger client relationships.

The organisation also made significant progress on its non-financial performance metrics, particularly in sustainability and ESG initiatives, advancing its commitment to financial inclusion, youth and women empowerment, small and medium enterprise development, and climate change mitigation on the continent. The Group achieved its goal of facilitating R100 billion in sustainable financing a year ahead of schedule.

“We are making strategic investments where they have the greatest impact—delivering meaningful value to our customers while ensuring sustainable, long-term growth. By optimising our operations and enhancing efficiency, we are improving affordability, expanding access to financial services, and strengthening the customer experience at every touchpoint,” said Russon.

Business Unit Performance

• Product Solutions Cluster (PSC) headline earnings increased 38% to R3.3 billion.

• Everyday Banking (EB) increased 18% to R4.0 billion.

• Relationship Banking (RB) increased 4% to R4.3 billion.

• Absa Regional Operations - Retail and Business Banking (ARO RBB) increased 12% to R1.8 billion.

• Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) increased 6% to R11.7 billion.

Outlook

Building on the second-half momentum, Absa Group will continue to focus on driving earnings growth and generating shareholder value. While the external environment is uncertain and may affect earnings, the Group remains confident in its ability to manage these effectively. RoE is expected to continue improving, supported by disciplined capital allocation and the ongoing benefits of the Group’s strategic initiatives. Credit loss ratios are expected to improve further, into the top end of the Group’s target range, largely driven by further recovery in South Africa’s retail portfolio. Additionally, the impact of substantial items is expected to ease, particularly regarding hyperinflationary accounting for the Ghanaian operations.

Absa is in the process of reviewing its retail operations in South Africa, to better serve its customers and clients and strengthen its position in a highly competitive market. The programme is on track to deliver a retail bank in the first half of this year. The primary aim of the review is to reinforce Absa’s foundational strengths in retail and fortify the company’s market-differentiating products and services. The outcome of the design phase will determine how Absa integrates various capabilities for maximum efficiency and improved customer experience, while achieving minimal disruption.

“The execution of our strategy remains clear and disciplined, anchored in enhancing user experiences, maintaining primacy, driving digital innovation, and acting as an active force for good in everything we do,” said Russon. “As we build on the momentum of our recovery, we are focused on sustained, profitable growth—ensuring we continue to create meaningful value for our customers, colleagues, and shareholders across the continent.”

Read More