KILIMANJARO: Some National Bank of Commerce (NBC) staff and various tourism stakeholders in Kilimanjaro region have embarked on a historic journey to climb Mt Kilimanjaro with the aim of installing the bank’s Point of Sale (POS) machine.
The initiative, in addition to drawing banking services closer to customers and tourists visiting the mountain, it was also to demonstrate the bank’s technological expertise in providing its services to customers.
Led by the bank’s Director of Retail, Mr Elibariki Masuke and the Kilimanjaro National Park (TANAPA) Assistant Commissioner-Conservation, Ms Angela Nyaki, the team and stakeholders are expected to descend the mountain on December 21, through the Marangu Gate.
While, handing over the machine to the team of mountaineers led by Mr. Dickson Busagaga, who is a media practitioner in Kilimanjaro region, Mr. Masuke said the efforts were part of the bank’s new campaign “Tabasamu Tukupe Mashavu” which aims to provide customers with the opportunity to enjoy the end-of-year holidays with their loved ones, through simplified transactions via the bank.
He added: “We are here to witness a new era in the banking service revolution through our campaign ‘Tabasamu Tukupe Mashavu,’ and this time with unprecedented strength, the first-ever payment machine (POS Machine) on Mount Kilimanjaro is up.
“This journey is not just a physical feat but also a testament to the bank’s commitment to innovation and digital utilization that we offer to customers. The six stations towards the peak of this tallest mountain in Africa and the world represent the unique features of our POS machine: easy, fast, secure, smart, advanced technology, and most importantly, a symbol of progress’’
“Each station provides an opportunity for our team of employees and all stakeholders participating in this exercise to share the rich history of our beloved mountain, which we pride in as our national treasure, and the history of our greatness and heritage.”
Elaborating, the Retailer noted that the team will officially unveil the lender’s POS machine to begin providing transaction services to customers through various digital payment options such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, Samsung Pay, and any bank card.
Speaking on the initiative, Ms Nyaki said it will facilitate access to financial services for various stakeholders visiting the mountain.
“NBC is not only bringing this machine to the highest peak in Africa but also in the world. I congratulate you for recognizing the importance of introducing this service globally through this famous mountain. This machine will help tourism stakeholders to carry out transactions up there… we are very grateful for this initiative,” she said.
Likewise, the Assistant Commissioner also commended the media stakeholders in the region for continuously informing the public on the availability of reliable high speed network on Mount Kilimanjaro, a step which has attracted various stakeholders to introduce their services through the platform.
