By Desmond Nleya
Dubai, UAE — CRDB Bank of Tanzania has marked a historic milestone in its three-decade journey with the official launch of its new branch in Dubai, reinforcing its growing status as one of Africa’s leading financial institutions with an expanding international footprint.
The high-profile launch, held yesterday at Dubai Festival City, attracted hundreds of guests, including ministers, diplomats, ambassadors, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and members of the Tanzanian diaspora.
The event underscored the significance of the move, positioning CRDB Bank as one of the first African banks to establish a full branch outside the continent.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance was Tanzania’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Lt Gen (Rtd) Yacub Mohamed, while the Guest of Honour was Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister conveyed a special message from Her Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who praised CRDB Bank for its bold vision and trailblazing expansion.
The President, through the Minister, applauded the bank for being the first African bank to extend its operations beyond Africa and the first Tanzanian bank, during her presidency since 2021, to open a branch outside the country.
“Her Excellency asked me to deliver three messages,” the Minister said. “First, she congratulates you for being the first African bank to spread its wings beyond the continent. Second, you are the first Tanzanian bank during her presidency to establish a branch outside Tanzania. Third, she assures all Tanzanians, wherever they are, of her full support in every endeavour, no matter how small.”
The Minister further noted that CRDB Bank’s expansion aligns with Tanzania’s Vision 2050, which seeks to promote economic growth, regional integration, and global competitiveness. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting Tanzanians in the diaspora, describing the Dubai branch as a strategic bridge between Tanzania, Africa, and the global financial market.
Speaking at the same event, the Chairperson of the Board, Professor Prof. Neema Munisi Mori, hailed the Dubai launch as a landmark achievement in the bank’s history.
She commended the management team, led by the Chief Executive Officer, for translating long-term strategies, sound governance, and a clear vision into tangible results.
The Chief Executive Officer of CRDB Bank , Abdulmajid Mussa Nsekela expressed gratitude to government leaders, regulators, clients, and stakeholders for their continued support.
He emphasized that the bank’s sustained growth over the years has been driven by customer trust, innovation, and strong partnerships.
Founded in 1995, CRDB Bank has grown steadily over the past 30 years from a domestic financial institution into a regional powerhouse.
Today, the bank operates across several countries, including Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and now the United Arab Emirates, with Dubai serving as its international hub.
The opening of the Dubai branch is expected to enhance trade financing, investment flows, and financial services between Africa, the Middle East, and beyond, while also serving the needs of the Tanzanian and African diaspora.
