President Samia visits NBC's new branch in Ubungo
The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan (right), listens to the Managing Director of NBC, Mr Theobald Sabi (third from left), as he explains the range of banking services available at the new NBC branch located within the East Africa Commercial and Logistic Centre (EACLC) in Ubungo, Dar es Salaam. The President was visiting the branch while inspecting the centre over the weekend. Also pictured is the Minister of State in the President’s Office – Planning and Investment, Prof Kitila Mkumbo (third from right), along with other officials from the government and the bank.
What you need to know:
- NBC is one of the key financial institutions that financed the project, reaffirming its commitment to supporting business expansion, transport infrastructure, job creation, and broader economic development in the region.
Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, visited the newly established branch of the National Bank of Commerce (NBC) in Ubungo, where she officially inaugurated the East Africa Commercial and Logistic Centre (EACLC) located in Dar es Salaam on Friday, August 1, 2025.
The bank’s new branch is housed within a state-of-the-art commercial facility whose construction began in May 2023, with a total projected cost of Sh282.7 billion.
NBC is one of the key financial institutions that financed the project, reaffirming its commitment to supporting business expansion, transport infrastructure, job creation, and broader economic development in the region.
The President was accompanied during the tour by senior government officials, including the Minister of State in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Professor Kitila Mkumbo.
She was welcomed at the site by senior NBC officials, led by the bank’s Managing Director, Mr Theobald Sabi.
In his address, Mr Sabi expressed appreciation for President Hassan’s leadership in fostering a favourable investment environment and strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors.
He emphasised that the launch of the branch at the EACLC reflects NBC’s dedication to supporting national development goals by offering high-quality financial services, particularly international banking.
“Madam President, this new branch within the international business hub is a testament to our resolve to bring financial services closer to both local and international enterprises, easing and accelerating trade within this centre,” he said.
He added that the branch is fully equipped to provide a comprehensive range of banking services, including loans and modern ATMs capable of dispensing both Tanzanian and foreign currencies. To meet the specific needs of clients at the EACLC, the branch will operate with extended hours, similar to NBC’s Mlimani City branch, which remains open until 7:00 PM.
Mr Sabi further assured President Hassan that the new branch would help streamline various government-related payments from businesses, ensuring more efficient and timely revenue collection.
“We remain ready to serve as a committed partner to the government and private sector alike, promoting business growth, empowering entrepreneurs, and contributing to our national development vision,” he said.
The inauguration of the Ubungo branch brings NBC’s total number of branches in Dar es Salaam to 22, along with more than 7,200 NBC WAKALA (agents) across the country. Mr Sabi noted that this continued expansion demonstrates NBC’s firm commitment to enhancing financial inclusion and increasing citizen participation in the formal financial system.
