As part of efforts to bring services closer and economically include citizens, CRDB Bank has opened two new branches, further expanding its network across the country.

These new branches have been inaugurated in Mpimbwe District Council, Katavi Region, and Kilolo District, Iringa Region, bringing the total number of branches to over 260 nationwide, making CRDB Bank the leading bank in terms of branches offering services.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Majimoto branch in Katavi Region, the Deputy Minister of Lands, Housing, and Human Settlements Development, Geophrey Mizengo Pinda, expressed great joy for the Mpimbwe residents, seeing their local CRDB bank bring services closer to provide them with opportunities that will help increase their personal income and further contribute to the national economy.

“I highly commend your efforts to reach out to the people where they are, as this is a clear sign that CRDB Bank is well-prepared to support the Government's efforts to achieve plans and strategies aimed at financially including more Tanzanians,” said Pinda.

The Kavuu MP said that money is a key driver of national development, so the growth of this sector is crucial in boosting the economy and reducing poverty in the country. 

However, for the financial sector to contribute as intended, it must be strong and have the capacity to reach customers wherever they are, whether in urban or rural areas.

“I know last month you were here providing financial education through your Imbeju Program. Ordinary citizens, most of whom are businesspeople, need such programs to equip them with the knowledge that will help grow their businesses. Continue educating the people, but also establish management systems that will ensure beneficiaries are accountable for repaying the capital they receive,” Hon. Pinda emphasized.

The Regional Commissioner of Iringa, Peter Serukamba, said the people of Iringa are heavily involved in agriculture and business, thus requiring banking services for the safety of their money.

“Iringa Region contributes significantly to feeding our nation. From grains to tomatoes and onions, they all come from here. All these crops and more are grown by small-scale farmers who need banking services to save the money they earn. The arrival of CRDB Bank here in Ilula will have a great impact on the economy of individual citizens and the district as well,” said Serukamba.

Speaking about the launch of these two branches, CRDB Bank's Director of Retail and SME Banking, Bonaventura Paul, said that over the past 28 years, their service network has expanded from 19 branches in 1996 to more than 260. He emphasized that this expansion represents their efforts to bring services closer to Tanzanians in both urban and rural areas.

“In Katavi Region, our CRDB Bank had only one branch in Mpanda. We have added a second one in Majimoto, with more coming soon. In Iringa, we had three branches, and now there are four. We will continue to bring our services closer to the people as needed,” said Paul.

The bank also offers services through CRDB Wakala (agents), with 171 agents in Katavi Region, including 39 in Mpimbwe District Council, and 686 agents in Iringa, including 16 in Kilolo District.

“These agents offer almost all services to customers, just as if they were visiting our branches. Due to the increasing customer demand, our bank saw the importance of improving services to meet the current and future needs in the Majimoto and Ilula areas. After conducting thorough research, the bank built these branches to serve the residents of the respective areas and surrounding neighborhoods,” said Paul.

The bank also donated 50 bags of cement, valued at one million shillings, for the construction of girls' dormitories at Kiheka Secondary School in Ilula. Paul further pledged an additional one million shillings in cash to support the construction.