By A Special Correspondent
NMB Bank has once again earned global recognition for its unwavering commitment to gender-inclusive employment practices, achieving re-certification at the EDGE Assess level – the world’s leading standard for workplace gender equity and equality.
Announcing the milestone at a press conference held yesterday at the bank’s headquarters in Dar es Salaam, Acting CEO Filbert Mponzi emphasized that this accomplishment reaffirms NMB Bank’s pioneering status as the first financial institution in Africa to attain and sustain EDGE certification, and the only EDGE-certified organization in Tanzania.
“This re-certification is both a testament to our continued efforts and a powerful motivator to keep fostering a fair, inclusive, and empowering workplace for all,” M Mponzi said. “At NMB, gender equality is not just a policy—it is a core value that guides how we operate internally and how we serve the market.”
He highlighted that NMB Bank’s gender-conscious approach extends beyond internal practices into its product offerings and financial solutions. According to him, a standout example is the Jasiri Gender Bond, a groundbreaking initiative through which over 3,200 loans totaling over TZS 70 billion have been extended to businesses owned or led by women across Tanzania.
“Diversity and inclusion are not just ideals – they are critical drivers of innovation, performance, and employee engagement,” Mr Mponzi added. “That’s why gender considerations are deeply embedded in both our human capital strategies and the financial products we design for the Tanzanian market.”
Mr Mponzi said the renewed certification highlights the bank’s leadership in gender-smart, sustainable banking at both national and regional levels.
“Gender equality is not just a value we uphold – it’s a strategic priority embedded in our operations, leadership, and long-term vision,” he stated.
EDGE, which stands for Economic Dividends for Gender Equality, is a global certification standard launched at the World Economic Forum in 2011. It assesses organizations across five key areas: equal pay, recruitment and promotion, leadership development and mentoring, flexible working arrangements, and inclusive culture.
Since its initial certification in 2022, NMB Bank has implemented measurable initiatives to enhance its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategy. These include advancing gender-balanced leadership, ensuring pay equity, and expanding career development opportunities for all employees.
As of December 31, 2024, NMB Bank employed 5,204 staff, with a near-equal gender split. Notably, women now hold over 32% of leadership roles – a result of deliberate policies aimed at accelerating female representation through leadership development programmes and inclusive career pathways.
Speaking before handing over the re-certification certificate to NMB Bank officials, Mr Sam Ng’ang’a, Regional Manager for East Africa at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), commended the bank’s sustained efforts.
“This achievement reflects your dedication to creating a fair and equitable workplace. Through our Anaweza Gender Country Programme, IFC is proud to support NMB in driving dignified, inclusive, and sustainable growth,” he said.
Speaking earlier, Mr. Emmanuel Akonaay, Chief Human Resources Officer at NMB Bank, highlighted that in 2022, NMB became the first bank in Africa—and only the third organization on the continent—to achieve EDGE certification, marking a historic milestone in advancing workplace gender equity across the region.
According to him, the re-certification strengthens NMB’s position as a bank committed not only to financial excellence but also to social impact and inclusion.
“This recognition reinforces our identity as a people-centric institution that embraces inclusivity in how we serve the market and engage the communities we operate in,” he noted.
