NBC Bank rolls out second shambani campaign to boost coffee farming in Ruvuma
Mbinga District Commissioner Mr Kisare Makori (centre) cuts the ribbon to officially launch the "Shinda Mechi Zako Kinamna Yako na NBC Shambani" campaign, an initiative by NBC Bank designed for coffee farmers in the Mbinga and Nyasa districts of the Ruvuma region The event was held over the weekend in Mbinga Others present included Mr Msafiri Shayo, NBC Head of Strategy (fourth from right), Ms Zubeider Haroun, NBC Coastal Zone Manager (third from left), along with other bank officials and agricultural stakeholders from the Ruvuma region, including local farmers
What you need to know:
- The initiative seeks to offer tailored financial services for local coffee farmers, including crop and health insurance, digital and agency banking, loans for agricultural inputs and equipment, as well as support for warehouse construction and crop marketing.
Mbinga, Ruvuma. The National Bank of Commerce (NBC) has launched the second season of its transformative campaign, “Shinda Mechi Zako Kinamna Yako na NBC Shambani”, aimed at revitalising coffee production in the Ruvuma region, particularly within the Mbinga and Nyasa districts.
The initiative seeks to offer tailored financial services for local coffee farmers, including crop and health insurance, digital and agency banking, loans for agricultural inputs and equipment, as well as support for warehouse construction and crop marketing.
The launch event, held in Mbinga over the weekend, was graced by the District Commissioner, Kisare Makori, accompanied by senior government officials and key stakeholders in the coffee sector, including cooperative leaders and farmers. Representing NBC were the Head of Strategy, Msafiri Shayo; the Coastal Zone Manager, Zubeider Haroun; and the Head of SME and Agriculture, Raymond Urassa.
In his remarks, District Commissioner Kisare Makori praised NBC for prioritising farmers, describing the campaign as a significant development for those seeking dedicated financial solutions.
“I am particularly pleased that this initiative enables farmers to access loans for vital agricultural equipment such as tractors, farming tools, and inputs, as well as advance payments,” he said.
He went on to highlight the importance of the bank’s insurance offerings: “The introduction of health and agricultural insurance is crucial, especially in helping farmers and their families manage medical challenges while also safeguarding against natural disasters that could destroy their crops.”
According to the Head of Strategy, Msafiri Shayo, the campaign directly responds to the government’s 10/30 agenda, which aims to raise agricultural production from 5 to 10 per cent by 2030.
“As part of this initiative in Mbinga and Nyasa, we are introducing NBC Shambani accounts with no monthly maintenance fees. Individual farmers will be able to access loans for essential equipment, while cooperative societies (AMCOS/Unions) will receive support to purchase inputs,” he explained.
He added that NBC is also offering comprehensive health and agricultural insurance products to ensure farmers are covered in the event of personal or environmental challenges.
The Head of SME and Agriculture, Raymond Urassa, further emphasised the campaign’s broad reach, stating that it targets all categories of farmers — from individuals to primary and apex cooperative societies.
“With the second season of this campaign now underway in Mbinga and Nyasa, we are offering exciting incentives — including spray pumps and motorcycles for individual farmers, and tricycles for AMCOS and unions to support transportation of their produce,” he announced.
On behalf of the farming community, the Chairperson of Kibandai AMCOS, Vestina Nombo, and the Secretary of Kipowolo AMCOS, Matius Kapinga, expressed heartfelt thanks to NBC for the initiative. They lauded the introduction of health and agricultural insurance services, noting a strong demand among farmers for accessible health solutions and protection from crop loss.
“We truly appreciate NBC’s efforts. These services will help improve our lives and livelihoods,” they said.
