Stanbic bank Tanzania commits to supporting trade growth and regional intergration at EACCS 2025

DAR ES SALAAM: As East Africa moves toward deeper trade expansion, Tanzania is solidifying its role as a regional logistics hub, connecting businesses across borders and unlocking new market opportunities.

Stanbic Bank Tanzania (SBT), a leader in trade and infrastructure financing,
underscored its commitment to this vision at the East Africa Cargo Connect Summit (EACCS) 2025.

The summit brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and investors to address the challenges and opportunities in trade facilitation, logistics, and infrastructure financing.

Under the theme “Tanzania: Powerhouse of Connectivity – Propelling Eastern and
Southern Africa’s Trade Networks into the Future,” EACCS 2025 highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, access to financing, and trade policies to enable seamless cross-border transactions.

As East Africa’s logistics sector grows, businesses face challenges like high operational costs, regulatory bottlenecks, and trade inefficiencies.

SBT has long championed partnerships to address these challenges and has established itself as the third-largest
bank in Tanzania, demonstrating its strength and capacity to support the country’s growth.

Celebrating 30 years of operations in Tanzania, the bank has played a key role in the cargo and logistics industry, providing tailored financial solutions to meet evolving needs.

A good example in that regard is the bank’s Vehicle Asset Financing programme that enables local businesses to acquire transport equipment such as trucks and vehicles, crucial to the efficient movement of goods across the region.

Over the past three years, more than 220bn/- has been provided through this initiative, enabling enterprises to expand operations, improve efficiency, and enhance cash flow management.

Through strategic partnerships with the government and private sector, Stanbic Bank drives economic growth and market integration across East and Southern Africa.

At EACCS 2025, Mr Stephen Mpuya, Head of Business Solutioning in the BBusiness and Commercial Banking Department, emphasized the importance of investments in trade infrastructure and financial solutions that empower businesses.

According to him, Stanbic Bank Tanzania continues to play a critical and pivotal role in national building efforts, supporting development endeavours such as: –

1. Financing the Dar es Salaam Maritime Gateway Project (DMGP) to expand port capacity,

2. Supporting the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) for efficient transportation, and

3. Co-financing One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) to enhance customs clearance and boost trade between Tanzania and its neighbors.

“At Stanbic Bank, Tanzania is home, and we take pride in fully participating in its growth and development. This is not just a statement – it is a commitment that we demonstrate through action. In just two years, we have provided funding of over US$1 billion, making a significant contribution to its economic development,” Mr Mpuya said.

The funding, he explained, has most importantly facilitated critical infrastructure and trade-related projects that are essential for positioning Tanzania as a logistics and maritime trade powerhouse in the region.

“For Tanzania to realize its potential as a trade hub, we must accelerate infrastructure investments, streamline trade processes, and provide businesses with the financial tools they need to thrive. At Stanbic Bank, we are creating an ecosystem where businesses can expand across borders and contribute to economic prosperity,” he stated.

The statement was supported by participants at the second EACCS meeting, including Ms Fatima Rajabu of the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), who emphasized the need to leverage East Africa’s geographic advantages, resources, and blossoming infrastructure for regional integration and international trade.

“The success of East Africa’s cargo sector relies on the strength of our partnerships. By fostering collaboration, transparency, and innovative thinking, we can build a more efficient, resilient, and connected logistics network for the future,” she remarked in her address, representing TPA’s Director of Marketing and Public Relations at the event.

On his part, Mr Daudi Stephano Riganda, representing the Tanzania Investment Centre, highlighted transport’s role in economic growth, job creation, and attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by improving trade efficiency and competitiveness.

Mr Clement Kemendia, Chairperson of the Tanzania Shipping Council (TSC), stressed the importance of infrastructure and financial industry involvement in transport sector development, acknowledging Stanbic Bank’s crucial role in funding and supporting the sector’s growth.