CRDB Bank drives a new era of sustainable growth in East Africa

CRDB Bank drives a new era of sustainable growth in East Africa

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In Washington D.C.,during the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings,CRDB Bank signed a series of landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) that signal a new chapter in East Africa’s economic integration. Organized in collaboration with Invest Africa,the CRDB Bank Investors and Partners Forum gathered global investors and senior government officials from Tanzania,Burundi,and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),positioning CRDB Bank as a key driver of regional financial transformation.

Among the distinguished attendees were the Minister of Finance of Burundi,the Minister of Information of the DRC,the Governors of the Central Banks of Tanzania and Burundi,the Ambassadors of Tanzania and Burundi to the United States,and the Permanent Secretary to the Treasury of Tanzania,Dr. Natu El-Maamry Mwamba,who led the Tanzanian delegation and served as Guest of Honour.

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The agreements were signed by Abdulmajid Nsekela,Group CEO and Managing Director of CRDB Bank,alongside Lori Kerr of FinDev Canada,Roland Siller of DEG – Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft,and Thierno-Habib Hann of Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB). Together,they articulated a shared vision: using finance not merely as a growth mechanism,but as a catalyst for social and economic transformation.

In a region still grappling with limited access to financing for SMEs,climate-smart agriculture,and affordable housing,CRDB Bank is moving decisively. Its partnership with FinDev Canada secures a USD 60 million sustainability-linked facility aimed at expanding credit for micro,small,and medium-sized enterprises — particularly women-owned businesses and climate-resilient projects. The alliance with DEG unlocks USD 50 million for SME sub-lending,stimulating innovation,entrepreneurship,and job creation in Tanzania. Meanwhile,collaboration with Shelter Afrique Development Bank launches a USD 10 million housing facility in DRC,with plans to extend the initiative to Tanzania and Burundi.

“These partnerships reflect our shared vision of a financially inclusive Africa — one with food security and sustainable growth. Finance must be a force for good: unlocking potential,creating jobs,and building long-term value. This is more than capital; it’s confidence in Africa’s future,” said Abdulmajid Nsekela during the signing ceremony.

Thierno-Habib Hann,CEO of Shelter Afrique Development Bank,added a human dimensn: “We’re not just financing homes — we’re investing in dignity,opportunity,and a more resilient Africa. Our partnership ensures that every African family has access to safe,affordable,and climate-resilient housing — the cornerstone of sustainable urban transformation.” Lori Kerr,CEO of FinDev Canada,emphasized the broader impact: “This MoU is a crucial step toward meaningful collaboration,co-investment,and long-term impact in sectors that drive sustainable development and climate action.”

Beyond the financial agreements,the forum highlighted CRDB Bank’s evolving role as a bridge between global finance and local impact. With a strong footprint across East Africa and the strategic reach of its Representative Office in Dubai,CRDB Bank is extending its influence across the continent — driving inclusive prosperity,sustainable growth,and investor confidence. As Nsekela concluded,“Africa doesn’t just need investment — it needs trust. And that’s exactly what we’re building.”