NBC Bank has managed to increase its number of agents to 9,430 across the country in its bid to closely serve its customers.
The number of banking agents was disclosed over the weekend during the lender’s Iftar attended by some 400 invitee customers.
The Iftar chief guest, Dr Jakaya Kikwete, a former president, said the bank expansion not only benefits the lender but also creates jobs and increases the country’s financial inclusion.
“The current NBC expansion all over the country is something that creates local jobs and helps a lot in achieving financial inclusion agenda,” Dr Kikwete pointed out.
The former president said the strength of financial institutions in the country will help in the economic growth at the required pace because investors in the business and agricultural sectors need strong financial institutions to successfully run their investments.
“There is no economy without investment, just as there is no investment without guaranteed loans from financial institutions,” Mr Kikwete said.
He gave the example of NBC strong balance sheet where assets stood 1.52tri/- and deposits at 1.96tri/- that warrant smooth lending.
In response, NBC Managing Director, Theobald Sabi said they consider their customers as a valued extension family and wanted to take the opportunity to share the spirit of togetherness with them this Ramadan.
“The event also provided us with an avenue through which we could show our appreciation to customers for their continued patronage, while at the same time reaffirming our commitment to understand and address their needs and expectations,” Mr Sabi said.
Furthermore, he said, gatherings such as these provide them opportunity to interact and better understand requirements of their customers.
They also further strengthen the bank relationships while also obtaining valuable feedback from their customers, he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, the Ilala District Commissioner, Mr Edward Mpogolo, congratulated the bank for its contribution to raising the economy of the region through being closer to various stakeholders including businessmen and its various social responsibility initiatives (CSR).
“We are more than happy to see that financial institutions respect the religious beliefs of their customers along with being closer to religious leaders. The fruits of this move include peace, which is the basis of business and economic prosperity,” said Mr Mpogolo.