ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi is scheduled to officially open the Kizimkazi Festival 2024 on August 18, this year.

The week-long festival, which brings together citizens and various stakeholders, will feature the launch of multiple development projects, entertainment, and training sessions for participating groups.

Among the key sponsors is NMB Bank, which plans to train over 700 entrepreneurs as well as hand over the Tasani Pre-primary School, located in the Tasani ward of Makunduchi, Zanzibar.

 Speaking at the sponsor introduction event here, NMB Bank’s Zanzibar cluster manager, Naima Said Shaame, detailed the bank’s significant involvement in the festival, which will run from August 12 to August 25.

This year’s festival is expected to attract more people. We expect to have artists to entertain, private institutions to showcase products and services they offer; small and medium enterprises, and entrepreneurs training.

“We hold this festival in high regard due to the importance of our partnership since its inception. Our participation this year will be as impactful as our extensive presence as a bank,” said Shaame.

She said the bank is committed to fostering economic growth both individually and nationally.

“We support the Kizimkazi Festival because it acts as a catalyst for economic development and enhances both individual and national income,” she added.

During the festival, entrepreneurs will receive training in financial literacy, investment, and strengthening their entrepreneurial ventures.

On August 20, NMB will host a special day featuring the launch and handover of the Tasani Preprimary School to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who laid the foundation stone on August 29 last year.

The day will also include sports activities at Dimani Field and an evening Singeli Night, providing local artists with a platform to showcase their talents.

Throughout the festival, NMB will operate a booth at the exhibition grounds offering financial services, educational resources on finance, and general banking information.

Kizimkazi Festival chairman, Mahfudh Said Omar said each sponsor will have designated days to fulfill their contractual obligations, enhancing opportunities for all involved.

In addition to NMB, other co-sponsors of the Kizimkazi Festival 2024 include the Tanzania Tourism Board (TTB), Mwanamke Initiatives Foundation, ASAS, CRDB Bank, NBC Bank, TADB Bank and The People’s Bank of Zanzibar Limited (PBZ).

Others are TIB Development Bank, In Focus Studio, Livestream, Deep Sea Fishing Authority (DSFA), Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA), Bank of Tanzania (BoT), Tallahassee Community College and Tanzania Unforgettable