CRDB raises billions in Tanzania, DRC, Burundi

DAR ES SALAAM: THE CRDB Bank Marathon has once again proven its regional impact, raising billions across Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi to support life-saving health services and community development.

From funding heart surgeries for children in Dar es Salaam, to improving hospital facilities in Lubumbashi and extending health insurance to tens of thousands in Bujumbura, the marathon has become a unifying platform for compassion, resilience and social change.

The National Assembly Speaker, Dr Tulia Ackson, said on Sunday when flagging off the race that CRDB Bank Foundation has turned sports into a vehicle of hope and act of kindness.

“Our participation in the race is an act of kindness that brings comfort to children, mothers and their families. It is proof that when we come together, we can transform lives,” she said.

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The Speaker further said the marathon has grown into a national and regional tradition of solidarity. The Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Prof Palamagamba Kabudi, also applauded the marathon’s impact, saying that beyond improving health, the event has created economic opportunities for youth.

“I commend CRDB Bank for awarding generous prizes that serve as start-up capital for young people. “The government will continue to support such initiatives as a catalyst for national development,” he said.

CRDB Bank Group CEO, Abdulmajid Nsekela, said that the sixth season coincides with the Bank’s 30th anniversary celebrations and continues to expand its reach across the region.

“The marathon’s regional presence has strengthened CRDB Bank Foundation’s role in driving social change and building bridges across East and Central Africa,” Mr Nsekela said.

The initiative recently won international recognition as the best financial institution platform in supporting communities. In Tanzania, the sixth season of the marathon attracted more than 16,000 participants and successfully raised 2.0bn/-.

The funds will support heart surgeries for children with congenital heart defects, safe deliveries for mothers with high-risk pregnancies and youth empowerment through the iMBEJU programme.

CRDB Bank Foundation Managing Director, Tully Esther Mwambapa, said the regional journey began earlier this year in Lubumbashi, DRC, where the marathon raised 70,000 US dollars to enhance health services at Ruashi Military Hospital, improving access to quality treatment for soldiers and their families.

Additionally, she said it then continued to Bujumbura, Burundi, where BIF 175 million was raised to provide health insurance for more than 58,000 underprivileged people, particularly orphans, a move that is expected to reduce child mortality and improve access to basic health services.

With each step and every finish line crossed, the CRDB Bank Marathon continues to demonstrate that sports can go beyond competition — becoming a force for unity, compassion and transformation across East and Central Africa.