By Special Correspondent
As part of its commitment to boosting the global competitiveness of Tanzanian enterprises, NMB Bank has sponsored 28 of its customers on a high-impact business learning expedition to China.
The delegation will visit key industrial sites, including factories, trading hubs, business incubation centers, and other commercial facilities – offering them a rare, behind-the-scenes look at China’s manufacturing and trade ecosystems.
Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony held on Monday at the bank’s headquarters in Dar es Salaam, Chief of Retail Banking, Mr. Filbert Mponzi, said that the networking trip will also feature participation in the 138th Canton International Trade Fair in Guangzhou.
The 9-day market exposure aims to equip the local entrepreneurs with practical insights into global trade, supply chains, and international business opportunities. Participants will explore sourcing options, forge partnerships with Chinese suppliers, and align their products with the demands of regional and global markets.
Mr Mponzi said the sponsorship reflects NMB’s ongoing commitment to empowering its customers through value-added financial solutions and business development opportunities.
“This marks the fifth international business learning trip organized by NMB since 2019. Our aim is to expose our customers to new markets, unlock growth opportunities, and help them build sustainable and globally competitive enterprises,” he stated.
The trip aligns with the government’s broader aspiration to promote private sector growth and diversify the country’s trade portfolio through increased participation in international markets.
“This is the largest delegation we’ve ever sponsored since launching these business learning trips to China,” Mr. Mponzi noted. “With such a diverse group of entrepreneurs on this trip, we anticipate significant outcomes in terms of business partnerships, knowledge transfer, and new market opportunities.”
The bank’s continued investment in these international trips underscores its broader commitment to empowering Tanzanian entrepreneurs with the knowledge, exposure, and networks needed to compete and thrive in the global marketplace.
The 28-member delegation, which travels today to China accompanied by NMB’s trade and agribusiness officials, includes 12 customers from the agricultural value chain and 16 others from various sectors.
Delegates at the flag-off ceremony praised NMB Bank for creating meaningful access to global markets and real-world business insights. They emphasized that beyond securing products or deals, the trip equips entrepreneurs with valuable skills, international exposure, and new perspectives that can drive innovation and growth across local industries.
They also noted that the initiative supports broader national priorities while strengthening the private sector, expanding export potential, and attracting foreign investment through strategic global linkages.
“What NMB is doing is remarkable. This trip gives us exposure that would otherwise be out of reach, and helps us think bigger about our business potential,” noted Mr Sanjay Sumariya of Singida Kilimo Ltd.
Ms Delfina Leon, whose company Barefoot International supplies agricultural inputs, said the trip was a chance to meet potential Chinese partners and learn about sourcing practices and market requirements.
Mr Award Mpandilah, a participant in the inaugural 2019 trip, reflected on how the experience transformed his business trajectory. He praised NMB Bank’s long-term vision and continued support for loyal customers, noting that the exposure gained played a pivotal role in his enterprise’s growth and international outlook.
