CRDB Bank has added another major milestone to its growing list of continental achievements after being named the “Best Trade Partner Bank East Africa 2026” by the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The honour recognises the bank’s strong regional leadership and its deepening role in strengthening trade finance across East and Central Africa.
The award was presented during the 9th Global Trade Partners Meeting (GTPM), which ran from March 24 to 26 in Lisbon, Portugal. The high-level gathering brought together commercial banks, development finance institutions, multilateral bodies and global trade stakeholders to review issues shaping the future of international commerce—from supply chain resilience to capital mobilization and financing gaps in emerging markets.
CRDB’s recognition reflects years of sustained performance, innovation, and commitment to building a robust trade finance ecosystem that supports cross-border commerce. The bank remains a key enabler for SMEs and regional businesses operating across Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), providing platforms that open access to global markets.
Receiving the award on behalf of the bank, Tully Esther Mwambapa, Director of Corporate Affairs and Managing Director of CRDB Bank Foundation, described it as a strong vote of confidence in the institution’s regional impact.
“This award is a powerful affirmation of CRDB Bank’s dedication to driving trade and economic growth in our region,” she said. “It reflects the trust our partners have in us and our continued investment in innovative trade finance solutions that help businesses scale and compete globally.”
Mwambapa noted that the recognition aligns with IFC’s mission to deepen trade facilitation in developing markets while empowering SMEs through inclusive financial systems.
CRDB Bank’s growing reputation as a leading trade financier comes at a time the institution is expanding its partnerships with global financial institutions—strengthening risk-sharing mechanisms and attracting offshore capital to support local markets.
At the Lisbon forum, the bank also showcased its record in trade and infrastructure financing, having channelled over US$1 billion into strategic sectors including agriculture, energy and infrastructure—areas that remain central to East Africa’s economic transformation.
Group Chief Executive Officer, Abdulmajid Mussa Nsekela, described the award as validation of the bank’s long-term strategy and developmental focus.
“This recognition reflects our commitment to financing key sectors and supporting regional growth,” he said. “Our participation in GTPM has opened new doors to expand our capacity, strengthen international collaborations and unlock more trade opportunities across diverse industries.”
CRDB’s growing product suite includes innovative Supply Chain Finance solutions, which have enhanced liquidity access for businesses, strengthened supplier coordination and improved overall resilience in critical sectors.
The bank also continues to play a frontline role in agriculture financing, supporting value chains and food security initiatives. Its footprint in energy financing—from oil and gas to mining—remains a key driver of trade stability and industrial growth across the region.
Chairperson of the Board, Neema Mori, said the award highlights the bank’s institutional strength and long-term vision for Africa’s economic advancement.
“Our expanding role in financing major projects and facilitating trade underscores our ability to support national and regional development priorities,” she said. “Partnerships with institutions like IFC are central to deepening our impact and advancing Africa’s economic integration.”
She added that CRDB is leveraging opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to promote intra-African trade, strengthen value chains, and boost the continent’s global competitiveness.
