The Tanzania Bankers Association (TBA) has expressed deep sorrow following the passing of Lawrence Nyasebwa Mafuru (pictured), who was serving as the Executive Secretary of the Planning Commission.

TBA Chairman Theobald Sabi shared a heartfelt tribute to Mafuru, recounting their intertwined careers and the profound impact Mafuru had on the banking and finance sectors in Tanzania.

Sabi fondly recalled, “My brother Lawrence, our paths were intertwined in so many meaningful ways. We began our banking careers together at Standard Chartered, and later, you became the Managing Director at NBC, the very bank I am now privileged to lead. Afterward, you took on the role of Chairman of the Tanzania Bankers Association, a position I currently serve. It feels as if you were quietly paving the way for me, leaving behind a blueprint for me to follow.”

He went on to highlight Mafuru’s extraordinary contributions to transforming Tanzania's financial landscape. Mafuru served as the CEO of NBC Bank, Chairman of the TBA, Treasury Registrar, and later as Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance. 

Through these roles, he played a critical part in developing a resilient and competitive banking sector that is thriving today.

“I hold every conversation and every moment we shared together as colleagues and friends very dearly. When you took on the vital role of Executive Secretary of the Planning Commission, we were all excited, knowing we could count on your expertise in both private and public leadership to craft and execute a national development plan that would provide direction for our economy. The trust and confidence everyone placed in you was extraordinary,” Sabi said.

Sabi described Mafuru as a dedicated professional whose commitment to excellence and vision was evident in every position he held, both in the private and public sectors. Outside of work, Mafuru was recognized as a devoted family man, a committed Christian, and a passionate sports enthusiast. “It’s funny how, despite all these accolades, you were also the loudest in the room when your beloved Yanga and Arsenal won matches. At times, you were loud and irritating, I must say,” Sabi added with a smile.

The TBA chairman emphasized that Mafuru was one of the most authentic, knowledgeable, and esteemed colleagues he had the honor to know and work with. “Tanzania has truly lost a patriotic son, a thought leader, and a titan in both the corporate and public sectors,” said Sabi.

As they bid farewell, the TBA extended its gratitude to the Almighty for the gift of Mafuru’s life and legacy. “Thank you for your inspiration, for paving the way, and for your crucial role in shaping our national development vision for the next 25 years. We will continue to honor your memory and uphold your legacy,”

Mafuru was a distinguished financial expert with over 20 years of experience in banking, investment, and government policy. 

He was a Certified Chartered Banker from the Chartered Institute of Bankers London and a Certified Financial Markets Dealer certified by ACI Financial Markets,

The late Mafuru will be buried on Friday, November 15th at Kondo Cemetery, Tegeta in Dar es Salaam.