ABSA BANK TANZANIA REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY AT GIRLCODE HACKATHON 2026

Absa Bank Tanzania Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Oscar Mwamfwagasi, addresses participants during the closing ceremony of the 2026 edition of the GirlCode Hackathon in Dar es Salaam yesterday. The GirlCode Hackathon is part of GirlCode’s wider Pan-African initiative to empower young women with practical technology skills, mentorship, and opportunities to develop solutions that address real challenges in their communities.

Absa Bank Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women in technology following the successful conclusion of the GirlCode Hackathon 2026, a two-day innovation challenge that brought together young women coders, developers and entrepreneurs from across the country.

Held in partnership with Neurotech, Sahara Ventures, Snippe, Sndbx Spaces and GirlCode Africa, the hackathon provided participants with a platform to develop digital solutions to real-world challenges in financial technology (Fintech), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.

Speaking during the closing ceremony in Dar es Salaam on Sunday evening, Absa Bank Tanzania Chief Operating Officer, Mr Oscar Mwamfwagasi, commended the participants for their creativity, determination and problem-solving abilities.

“Your solutions stood out not only for their technical excellence but also for their potential to make a real difference. You have tackled complex challenges with boldness and brilliance, proving that innovation knows no gender and that the future of technology is brighter because of you,” he said.

Mr Mwamfwagasi said the hackathon was more than a competition, describing it as a platform for learning, collaboration, growth and transformation. He noted that participants had developed solutions ranging from ecosystem banking platforms to AI-powered optimisation engines, demonstrating the capacity of young Tanzanian women to contribute to the country’s next wave of technological innovation.

“When women are given the opportunity, they don’t just participate, they lead,” he said. “The next generation of tech leaders is already here.”

He further reaffirmed Absa Bank Tanzania’s commitment to creating inclusive pathways for women in technology, in line with the bank’s purpose, “Empowering Africa’s Tomorrow, Together, One Story at a Time,” and its brand promise, “Your Story Matters.”

“Events like this are not just about coding; they are about creating pipelines. We are identifying talent, nurturing potential and opening doors. Absa Bank Tanzania is committed to ensuring that young women who participated here have access to opportunities such as internships, mentorship and future employment,” he said.

Encouraging participants who did not win awards, Mr Mwamfwagasi urged them to remain focused on developing their skills and pursuing their ideas.

“Every great technologist has faced setbacks. What matters is how you respond. Take what you have learned here and keep building, keep dreaming and keep pushing boundaries,” he said.

Representing the overall winning team, Team Rafikis, Ms Lilian Msaki, an Information Technology engineering graduate from the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT), expressed her appreciation to Absa Bank Tanzania and GirlCode Africa for organising the hackathon.

She said the competition had helped her gain greater confidence in using technology to develop solutions to different challenges.

“I would like to encourage all women with ideas not to be afraid to come forward. You can solve many problems through technology,” said Ms Lilian.

Speaking at the event, Absa Bank Tanzania Chief Information Officer, Mr Emanuel Mwinuka, said initiatives such as the GirlCode Hackathon could contribute to addressing the gender imbalance among computer systems professionals in Tanzania.

“This challenge is not only in banks but also in other industries. That is why we at Absa decided to encourage young women from universities and workplaces to take advantage of opportunities in technology and to use technology to develop solutions,” he said.

Mr Mwinuka described the 2026 edition as a successful event, noting that the winners would have an opportunity to represent Tanzania in a wider international competition involving winners from other participating countries.

“Today’s event has been very successful. We have had three winners. Since this event is also taking place in other countries, the first-place winner will have the opportunity to compete with winners from other nations through their solutions, with the best solution receiving another award,” he said.

The GirlCode Hackathon 2026 concluded with an awards ceremony and networking sessions, alongside a shared commitment among organisers and participants to sustain efforts aimed at increasing women’s participation and leadership in Tanzania’s technology ecosystem.

Team Rafikis emerged as the overall winner, followed by Team Bizlift in second place and Team Nexora in third place.

Absa Bank Tanzania Head of Learning, Ms. Doris Kibassa (fifth left), presents a certificate to members of Team Rafikis, the first-place winners of the 2026 edition of the GirlCode Hackathon, during the closing ceremony held in Dar es Salaam on Sunday evening. The GirlCode Hackathon is part of GirlCode’s wider Pan-African initiative to empower young women with practical technology skills, mentorship, and opportunities to develop solutions that address real challenges in their communities. Also pictured are representatives from Absa Bank Tanzania and the programme’s partners.

Absa Bank Tanzania Chief Information Officer, Mr. Emanuel Mwinuka (left), speaks during the closing ceremony of the 2026 edition of the GirlCode Hackathon in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

Absa Bank Tanzania Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Oscar Mwamfwagasi (left), presents a certificate of appreciation to the bank’s Project Portfolio Manager, Ms. Munira Chambuso, during the closing ceremony of the 2026 edition of the GirlCode Hackathon in Dar es Salaam yesterday. Looking on is the bank’s Chief Information Officer, Mr. Emanuel Mwinuka.

Participants in the 2026 edition of the Absa GirlCode Hackathon pose for a group photograph during the hackathon’s closing ceremony in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

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KASI kubwa ya mabadiliko ya teknolojia inaendelea kuongeza chachu katika sekta mbalimbali za uzalishaji na biashara,

 

KASI kubwa ya mabadiliko ya teknolojia inaendelea kuongeza chachu katika sekta mbalimbali za uzalishaji na biashara, huku kampuni zikijikita zaidi kwenye ubunifu, kuboresha huduma kwa wateja na kudumisha ubora wa bidhaa ili kuendelea kuwa na ushindani sokoni.


Wadau mbalimbali wanasema kuongezeka kwa matumizi ya teknolojia, hususan akili mnemba (AI), zinachochea uzalishaji wa bidhaa zinazoleta suluhisho na kukidhi matarajio yanayobadilika ya watumiaji, hivyo kufanya uhitaji wa kukabiliana na mabadiliko ya kiteknolojia kuwa muhimu kwa kampuni zinazotaka kuendelea kuwa na nafasi katika soko.


Mkurugenzi wa Masoko wa MeTL Group, Fatema Dewji, alisema biashara zitakazoshindwa kuendana na maendeleo ya kiteknolojia zinaweza kuachwa nyuma, kutokana na ubunifu kuendelea kuwa na nafasi kubwa katika uuzaji, usambazaji na uundaji wa bidhaa.


“Wakati maendeleo na mabadiliko ya teknolojia yakiendelea kushika kasi, matumizi yake yanazidi kuchochewa hususani kwenye maeneo ya uzalishaji na endapo kama kuna biashara ambazo haziko tayari kukabiliana na haya mabadiliko, zitaachwa mbali sana,” alisema Fatema kwenye hafla ya mashirikiano baina ya MeTL group na Haier Tanzania yaliyofanyika wikiendi hii.


Ushirikiano huo unakuja wakati ushindani katika soko la vifaa vya matumizi ya nyumbani ukizidi kutegemea uwezo wa biashara kuunganisha ubunifu wa kiteknolojia na ubora wa bidhaa ili kutimiza mahitaji ya walaji.


Hata hivyo, aligusian juu ya mitazamo ya watu kuhusu AI ambapo wengi wanaitazama kama ni tishio kwenye soko la ajira ambapo alisema licha ya nguvu yake, bado ubunifu na mawazo ya binadamu vitaendelea kuwa muhimu hata wakati biashara zikiongeza matumizi ya teknolojia mpya.


“Teknolojia hii haiwezi kuchukua nafasi ya mawazo au watu wenye ubunifu na fikra,” alisema, akiongeza kuwa inaweza badala yake kuwasaidia wafanyakazi, wakiwemo wanaohusika katika uzalishaji.


Kwa upande wake, Meneja wa Haier-Tanzania, Liu Chi, alisema soko la vifaa vya matumizi ya nyumbani hapa nchini linaendelea kubadilika, ambapo watumiaji wengi sasa wanaangalia zaidi ubora wa bidhaa, hivyo kama kampuni zinawajibu wa kuhakikisha zinazalisha bidhaa zenye tija ili kufikia mahitaji ya walaji.

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ABSA REAFFIRMS LONG-TERM COMMITMENT TO TANZANIA AS SITOYO LOPOKOIYIT HIGHLIGHTS GROWTH POTENTIAL

Dar es Salaam; September 23, 2026 - Tanzania’s expanding economy and growing digital financial services sector have attracted renewed attention from Absa Group, which has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the country.

The Group’s Chief Executive for Personal and Private Banking Pan-Africa, Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, made the remarks during a visit to Tanzania, where he engaged with customers, employees, business leaders and other stakeholders.

The visit provided an opportunity to discuss evolving customer needs, economic opportunities and the role of financial institutions in supporting inclusive growth.

According to Mr Lopokoiyit, Tanzania’s economic momentum, expanding middle class and growing trade corridors are contributing to the country’s increasing importance within East Africa.

“Tanzania is a market with tremendous potential and an increasingly important role in East Africa’s growth story,” he said.

He said changing financial needs required banks to provide services that are accessible, convenient and responsive to customers’ ambitions.

“Whether they are growing a business, buying a home, investing for the future or making everyday transactions, our focus is on delivering solutions that are simple, accessible and relevant to their needs,” he said.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND FINANCIAL INCLUSION

Mr Lopokoiyit also identified digital transformation as a major opportunity to expand financial access in Tanzania.

He said the integration of technology, professional expertise and strong partnerships could enable banks to deliver more meaningful outcomes for customers.

“As digital adoption continues to accelerate in Tanzania, we see significant opportunity to support customers with solutions that enable growth, inclusion and prosperity,” he said.

Absa Bank Tanzania Managing Director, Obedi Laiser said the Group’s continued interest in Tanzania reflected the country’s position within its broader African strategy.

He said increasing investment, expanding trade opportunities and rapid digital adoption were creating opportunities that could benefit individuals, businesses and communities.

“Tanzania is experiencing strong growth driven by increasing investment, expanding trade opportunities and rapid digital adoption, creating significant potential for individuals, businesses and communities to prosper,” Mr Laiser said.

ABSA TO STRENGTHEN FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS

Mr Laiser said Absa Bank Tanzania would continue strengthening its financial solutions, relationship banking services and digital capabilities in response to evolving customer needs.

He added that the bank remained committed to supporting opportunities that contribute to sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity.

Absa said its investments in digital platforms, payment solutions and customer experience were aimed at improving access to banking services and helping customers participate in economic opportunities both locally and across the continent.

The Group’s pan-African network, it said, would continue to support connections between customers and markets as it strengthens its operations in Tanzania.

The visit comes as Absa seeks to deepen its engagement with the Tanzanian market and reinforce its support for the country’s economic development.

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KCB BANK TANZANIA LAUNCHES ZED 360 DIGITAL SYSTEM TO STREAMLINE SCHOOL FEE COLLECTION

BAGAMOYO, Tanzania – 17 September 2026 – KCB Bank Tanzania has officially launched ZED 360, a digital solution designed to improve school fee collection, payment reconciliation and financial information management for educational institutions across Tanzania.

The ZED 360 platform has been developed to help schools address ongoing challenges in revenue management, including difficulties in payment reconciliation, monitoring collections, maintaining financial records and accessing real-time financial information.

Speaking during the launch ceremony, KCB Bank Tanzania Managing Director, Cosmas Kimario, said the bank continues to put customers at the centre of its services by leveraging technology to provide solutions that simplify day-to-day operations for different customer segments.

“Through ZED 360, schools will have greater visibility in managing their revenues, reduce reliance on manual processes and make decisions using accurate, real-time information. The system has been designed to improve efficiency and strengthen accountability within educational institutions,” said Kimario.

ZED 360 Simplifies School Fee Management

ZED 360 simplifies the entire school fee management process, including invoice generation, fee collection, payment reconciliation and real-time financial reporting.

The system also benefits parents and guardians by enabling them to receive invoices conveniently and make school fee payments securely through multiple channels.

Through ZED 360, parents and guardians can pay school fees through all KCB Bank Tanzania branches, the KCB Mobile App, KCB agents and Mixx by Yas agents across the country.

Driving Digital Transformation in Education

The launch of ZED 360 forms part of KCB Bank Tanzania’s strategy to continue investing in digital transformation aimed at improving customer experience, increasing institutional efficiency and supporting the development of various sectors of the economy.

In the education sector, the solution is expected to help institutions enhance transparency in revenue and financial information management while enabling school administrators to access critical information in real time and make data-driven decisions.

KCB Bank Tanzania also thanked the management of Marian School for participating in the initial testing of the system, which provided valuable feedback that helped improve the solution ahead of its official launch.

KCB Calls on Schools to Embrace Digital Solutions

KCB Bank Tanzania has urged educational institutions across the country to embrace ZED 360 to improve school fee management, enhance transparency in financial systems and strengthen the delivery of education services.

By integrating school fee collection, payment reconciliation and financial reporting into a digital platform, ZED 360 is designed to support schools in managing their revenues and financial information more efficiently.

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WHY AFRICA IS EMERGING AS A STRATEGIC GLOBAL CONNECTOR?

By Nellyana Mmanyi, Corporate Banking Director, Absa Bank Tanzania

Global trade is being reshaped by geopolitics, as supply chains fragment and new alliances redraw the map of commerce. For Africa, this is not just disruption, it’s a strategic opening. In this pivotal decade, as companies diversify sourcing and rethink trade routes, the continent, particularly East Africa, is emerging as a critical connector between global markets.

Converting this moment into meaningful growth will depend on reducing friction, improving access to trade finance and enabling businesses to move with speed and certainty. This is where banks can play a fundamental role.

As change interrupts existing ways of trade, there’s a palpable shift from efficiency to resilience. Corporates are diversifying their supply chains, reducing single country dependence, for example, on China. They’re favouring nearshoring and friendshoring, expanding into Southern East Asia and India. Trade routes are becoming more regional and more complex with multiple sourcing and transit options built in to manage geopolitical risk.

More corridor-based trade routes are emerging. Trading based on proximity to geopolitical markets is increasing.

Africa is increasingly acting as both a production base and a trade connector with the Middle East and Asia. We see this in agriculture, business, manufacturing and the transit trade which is supported by improving port infrastructure and growing regional integration.

East Africa is no longer just a future opportunity - it is already emerging as a strategic trade bridge, with the region firmly positioned as one of the continent’s key growth hubs. The increasing interest from major international and regional banks seeking to establish or expand their presence here is a clear indication of where Africa’s growth momentum lies.

From a logistics and trade perspective, East Africa plays a pivotal gateway role. The Port of Dar es Salaam, for example, is a critical entry point supporting landlocked markets such as the DRC, Zambia, Uganda, and Rwanda. This importance is further reinforced by ongoing investments in key transport corridors, including Tanzania’s Central Corridor and Kenya’s Northern Corridor, which continue to enhance connectivity and facilitate trade across the region.

However, pragmatic barriers still prevent businesses from fully capitalising on these new trade opportunities. Despite the momentum, the execution challenges remain significant. The main constraints are logistical inefficiencies, regulatory fragmentation like non-trade barriers across African markets, customs inefficiencies and inconsistent policies in East Africa. Slow implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) at an operational level is a concern and foreign exchange volatility and market access to trade finance, particularly for SMEs, remain an obstacle. While there is demand for their goods, they struggle with execution across borders. Logistical inefficiencies in terms of infrastructure, like port congestion, railroad inefficiencies, potholes and a lack of tarmac, coupled with high inland transport costs, all hinder successful trade.

Financial institutions can support clients in navigating these complexities. To be successful in a competitive market, banks must differentiate themselves by moving beyond transactions to end-to-end trade enablement. At Absa, we are seeing growing demand from corporates for integrated cross-border banking support that combines trade finance, foreign exchange solutions and regional market expertise. Clients are looking not just for funding, but for banking partners that can help them navigate increasingly complex trade corridors with speed and certainty. Banks must therefore offer not just vanilla letters of credit, or overdraft facilities, but flexible trade finance and structured trade solutions.

Speed as a differentiator is critical. Ultimately the bank that moves fastest wins the client.

Looking ahead, multiple factors will determine whether Africa truly captures this moment or misses the golden opportunity. Success will depend on five factors.

Firstly, the implementation of the AfCFTA is paramount, to move from policy to real trade flows and reducing non-tariff barriers.

Secondly, infrastructure delivery, for ports, rail and energy investment, must translate into efficiency and not just capacity.

We need to improve access to capital by bridging the trade finance gap and supporting the SME-sized corporates to upscale regionally.

Fourth, is an industrialisation focus and a shift from raw export materials to value added production and the involvement of regional supply chains.

Lastly, institutional coordination in terms of alignment between government, banks and the private sector is critical. We need policy consistency and investor confidence.

Africa, East Africa in particular, has a remarkable opportunity to position itself in global trade, not only in terms of its excellent existing market, but as a connector and a production hub. Success won’t be automatic. It will depend on the speed of execution, access to capital and the ability of banking institutions to actively enable clients across the trade value chain. The opportunity is real, but it won’t wait.

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OTR STAFF RECEIVE TRAINING ON QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

By the OTR Reporter, Dar es Salaam │ The Office of the Treasury Registrar (OTR) has stepped up efforts to strengthen its operational systems by equipping staff with knowledge and skills on the Quality Management System (QMS), as part of its drive to align the institution with internationally recognised quality standards.

The training, conducted by Amaxon Company Limited and held on Friday, September 4, 2026, in Dar es Salaam, is part of OTR’s preparations to obtain ISO 9001:2015 certification, an internationally recognised standard for quality management systems.

Opening the training on behalf of the Treasury Registrar, Ms Lightness Mauki, the Director of Performance Management of Commercial entities, said the implementation of QMS would enable OTR to strengthen its work systems, improve efficiency and ensure that its services respond effectively to the needs of stakeholders.

“We want to be recognised internationally for delivering quality services, operating efficiently and meeting the expectations of our stakeholders,” Ms Mauki said.

She said achieving this objective would require the participation of all staff, supported by clear procedures that define how work is carried out, monitored and assessed.

The staff training was preceded by a one-week capacity-building programme for QMS Champions drawn from all OTR departments and units.

The programme equipped them with practical skills in applying quality management principles to their day-to-day work, as well as conducting internal audits of work systems.

The QMS Champions are expected to play an important role in promoting and supporting the implementation of the system across different areas of the institution, helping to ensure that its requirements are well understood and consistently applied.

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VODACOM CUTS CARBON EMISSIONS BY 24% AS NETWORK MODERNISATION REACHES 27.7 MILLION CUSTOMERS

Vodacom Tanzania Plc Network Director, Andrew Lupembe (left), and the company’s Director of External Affairs & Regulatory, Zuweina Farah, speak during the launch of the company’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report for the financial year ended March 2026. The report highlights a 24% reduction in carbon emissions and significant investment in network modernisation.

FY2026 ESG Snapshot shows diesel consumption down by two million litres and energy savings increasing more than six-fold

Dar es Salaam - September 3, 2026: Vodacom Tanzania Plc has released its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Snapshot for the year ended 31 March 2026, reporting a 24% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions alongside the largest network modernisation programme in the company’s history.

During the year, the company invested TZS 3.5 billion in energy-efficiency initiatives, delivering energy savings of 18,340 megawatt-hours (MWh) — more than six times the 2,861 MWh saved in FY2025.

Scope 1 and 2 market-based emissions fell to 18,445.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e), from a restated 24,285.6 tonnes. Diesel consumption also declined by 24%, from 8.6 million litres to 6.6 million litres.

The reductions were driven by a major network modernisation programme that replaced legacy radio equipment across 1,808 sites in just seven months — work equivalent to roughly three years of normal deployment — together with improved grid stability that significantly reduced generator runtime at the company’s data centres.

LESS ENERGY, WIDER REACH

Vodacom Tanzania’s network consumes approximately 169.5 GWh of energy annually across more than 3,800 sites, including 2,190 in rural areas. Base stations account for 78.9% of total energy consumption, making improvements in network equipment efficiency one of the company’s most significant opportunities for reducing its environmental footprint.

During the year, 169 off-grid sites were connected to the national grid.

At the Kwale data centre, a power upgrade from 11kVA to 33kVA reduced generator runtime from 18 hours a day to just two hours, resulting in an 88% reduction in diesel consumption at the site.

The company also credited the Government of Tanzania’s hydropower expansion programme, which reached 75% completion during the year, with contributing materially to improved stability in national power availability.

Renewable sources accounted for 57% of Vodacom Tanzania’s total energy consumption. The company maintained its commitment to matching all purchased grid electricity with renewable energy sources, keeping Scope 2 market-based emissions at zero.

Vodacom Tanzania also renewed its ISO 50001 energy management certification with no non-conformances raised, while Scope 3 emissions declined to 94,944 tCO₂e from 100,455 tCO₂e.

“The environmental gain came from doing the core engineering properly, not from a separate sustainability project,” said Andrew Lupembe, Network Director at Vodacom Tanzania.

“Replacing old equipment across 1,808 sites gives the customer a faster connection and the country two million litres less diesel burned. Those are the same decisions.”

COVERAGE AND CONNECTION

Vodacom Tanzania’s 4G population coverage reached 76.3%, with the network serving 27.7 million customers following the launch of Tanzania’s first 5G service.

Smartphone penetration stood at 46.7%, while 325,415 customers acquired devices through retail financing partnerships. For customers without smartphones, a new AI-assisted service enables access to internet-based information through SMS and voice calls, extending digital assistance to more people, including those in rural areas.

M-Pesa served 14.1 million financial inclusion customers during the year. M-Koba, Vodacom’s digitised savings group platform whose members are predominantly women, reached 299,420 active groups, with total savings increasing by 81%.

The Vodacom Tanzania Foundation reached 2.9 million beneficiaries.

Working with the Tanzania Institute of Education, the company zero-rated the national teacher development platform, enabling 121,832 teachers to access professional development materials without incurring data charges.

Vodacom Tanzania also supported the planting of a further 80,000 indigenous trees in the Kahe 2 Forest on Mount Kilimanjaro.

The company recorded its fourteenth consecutive year without a workplace fatality. Its network modernisation programme involved 411 workers travelling more than 1.7 million kilometres, with the first phase completed without a fatality or major incident.

Vodacom Tanzania also maintained its ISO 27001 certification for information security and recorded zero anti-competition and anti-money laundering fines during the year.

“The numbers in this report tell only part of the story,” said Philip Besiimire, Managing Director of Vodacom Tanzania.

“Behind every connection is a life being changed — a teacher accessing learning materials at no data cost, or a savings group that no longer has to keep cash in a tin. We will continue to hold ourselves accountable to the people of Tanzania who trust us every day.”

Read the Full ESG Report Here

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OTR, ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI SEEK STRONGER LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP

Dar es Salaam. Treasury Registrar Nehemiah Mchechu has held discussions with representatives of AngloGold Ashanti, a leading global mining company, on strengthening the company’s long-term relationship with the government and advancing cooperation in Tanzania.

The discussions took place on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, when a delegation from AngloGold Ashanti, through its Tanzanian subsidiary, Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML), paid a courtesy visit to the Office of the Treasury Registrar (OTR) to brief Mr Mchechu on the company’s business developments and interests in the country.

The delegation was led by Ms Lizelle Marwick, Chief Legal Officer of AngloGold Ashanti, and included Ambassador Baso Sangqu, Senior Vice President for Sustainability at AngloGold Ashanti, and Mr Simon Shayo, Vice President for Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement at Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML).

Mr Mchechu said OTR, as the government’s shareholder representative, approaches its relationship with companies from the perspective of being a fellow shareholder rather than an opposing party.

“Whatever keeps you away also keeps us away, and whatever brings results brings results for both of us,” he said, underscoring the importance of working together to achieve sustainable business outcomes.

He said OTR works closely with relevant authorities, with the institutions reading from the same page on key issues to ensure consistency and stability for investors.

Mr Mchechu said OTR was committed to building a long-term relationship with AngloGold Ashanti based on mutual understanding, effective corporate governance and a shared interest in ensuring the success of the business.

He also stressed the importance of strengthening corporate governance and ensuring that boards have capable members with a strong understanding of business, enterprise and strategic direction, particularly in companies that contribute taxes and dividends to the Government.

For her part, Ms Marwick said AngloGold Ashanti values its relationships with host governments and appreciates its long-standing engagement with the Tanzanian Government.

She said the company was committed to building a genuine partnership in which both sides contribute their strengths and perspectives for mutual benefit and the wider interests of the country.

Ms Marwick said AngloGold Ashanti was ready to support capacity building for government-appointed directors through governance and induction programmes covering fiduciary responsibilities, board processes and financial literacy.

She also proposed technical exposure visits to Geita Gold Mine to help government directors better understand mining operations, including the technical aspects of resources and reserves.

Ms Marwick described Geita Gold Mine as a flagship asset and said AngloGold Ashanti had remained committed to Tanzania despite legislative changes and challenges associated with COVID-19.

She said the company’s relationship with the government would provide an important stepping stone for its other exploration titles in Tanzania, noting that AngloGold Ashanti could expand more easily where it already had operations, infrastructure and a strong working relationship with the Government.

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ABSA BANK TANZANIA EXPANDS SUPPORT FOR YOUNG INNOVATORS THROUGH SECOND GIRLCODE HACKATHON

Zandile Mkwanazi

Absa Bank Tanzania in partnership with GirlCode, a South African based non-profit organization aiming to equip girls from underprivileged backgrounds with the skills and resources they need to thrive in the technology industry, have announced the return of the GirlCode Tanzania Hackathon for its second year, following a remarkable milestone in 2025 when the Tanzania team walked away with the Pan-African Grand Prize to the value of $5,000.

The GirlCode Hackathon is part of GirlCode’s wider Pan-African initiative to empower young women with practical technology skills, mentorship, and opportunities to build solutions that respond to real challenges in their communities. The return of the Tanzania edition marks an important step in strengthening the country’s pipeline of female tech talent and building on the success achieved by last year’s participants.

Tanzania’s 2025 win demonstrated the power of investing in young women as innovators, builders, and problem-solvers. Their achievement not only placed Tanzania on the Pan-African GirlCode Hackathon map, but also served as inspiration for more young women across the country to see themselves as part of Africa’s growing digital economy.

“At GirlCode, we are incredibly proud of what the Tanzania team achieved last year,” said Zandile Mkwanazi, CEO of GirlCode. “Winning the Pan-African Grand Prize showed the depth of talent, creativity, and potential that exists among young women in Tanzania. As we return for the second year, our goal is to build on that momentum and give even more young women the opportunity to develop their skills, work in teams, and create technology-driven solutions that can have real impact.”

This year’s hackathon will bring together female students, graduates, aspiring developers, and young innovators to collaborate in teams, receive mentorship, and present their solutions to a panel of judges. Participants will be challenged to think critically, apply their technical skills, and develop innovative ideas that can contribute to the future of work, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation.

The hackathon also creates an important platform for young women to gain exposure to the technology industry, connect with peers and mentors, and build confidence in their ability to pursue careers and opportunities in tech. For many participants, the experience serves as a stepping stone into internships, employment, entrepreneurship, and continued learning.

Oscar Mwamfwagasi

Speaking about the significance of the initiative, Absa Bank Tanzania’s Chief Operating Officer, Oscar Mwamfwagasi said: “What makes this year's Hackathon especially valuable is the active participation of SME founders, who bring practical business experiences and real-world challenges into the programme. Their involvement enriches the learning journey for participants while opening doors for startups to showcase their ideas, receive guidance from industry experts, and build connections that can accelerate their growth. Initiatives like this are essential in fostering innovation, empowering entrepreneurs, and creating a more inclusive digital ecosystem that supports Africa's continued development."

As the GirlCode Hackathon continues to grow across Africa, Tanzania’s story stands out as a powerful example of what becomes possible when young women are given access to the right platforms, resources, and networks. The 2025 Pan-African win has set a strong foundation, and this year’s edition aims to inspire the next generation of Tanzanian women in technology to go even further.

GirlCode invites young women in Tanzania, partners, mentors, and members of the technology ecosystem to support this year’s hackathon and help build a more inclusive digital future for Africa.

Date: 26-27 September 2026

Application link: https://www.girlcode.co.za/hackathon-2026

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DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN BANKING: A GAME CHANGER THAT MISSES A STEP

Digital Transformation in Banking: A Game Changer That Misses a Step

By Nicky Mlelwa, Head of Application Management, Absa Bank Tanzania - Digital transformation has fundamentally changed the face of banking. What was once an industry defined by queues, paperwork, and branch visits is now powered by speed, convenience, and experiences that fit seamlessly into customers’ daily lives. Through automation, artificial intelligence, real-time data, and modern technologies, banks are delivering services faster and more intelligently than ever before.

Today, customers can open accounts, receive instant loan decisions, make payments in seconds, and receive personalized financial guidance, all from the palm of their hand. Services that once took days or even weeks can now happen in instantly. Features such as straight-through processing, real-time payments, digital lending, and open banking have moved from innovation to expectation, becoming part of what customers simply assume modern banking should provide.

But the real transformation goes beyond technology. It is about changing the relationship between banks and their customers. Banking is no longer just a place to store money or process transactions. Instead, it has become a trusted companion that supports customers throughout their financial journeys. Whether paying bills, sending money, accessing credit, saving for the future, or investing, customers can manage their finances anytime, anywhere, without being limited by branch locations or operating hours.

Behind these seamless experiences lies a powerful digital foundation. Banks have adopted technologies that make them faster, more flexible, and better equipped to respond to changing customer needs. Microservices and APIs allow complex banking systems to be broken into smaller, independent building blocks that are easier to improve and connect. Cloud computing provides on-demand computing power, enabling banks to innovate quickly without the constraints of traditional infrastructure. Artificial intelligence and machine learning help banks understand customer behaviors, anticipate needs, and deliver highly personalized solutions. Meanwhile, blockchain technology is strengthening trust by introducing greater transparency and security into financial transactions.

Together, these innovations are creating a new era of banking, one that is more connected, intelligent, and customer-centric. The banks that embrace this transformation are not simply digitizing existing services. They are reimagining what banking can be, creating experiences that are effortless, relevant, and available whenever customers need them. In a world where expectations continue to evolve, digital transformation is no longer just a competitive advantage. It is the foundation for future growth, innovation, and lasting customer relationships.

However, as much as I celebrate the remarkable strides banks have made in digitizing their offerings, there remains a critical gap - one that often goes unnoticed yet significantly impacts the customer experience. This gap lies in the lack of seamless digital complaint handling mechanisms within many digital banking solutions.

Digital customers expect digital service - not just when everything works perfectly, but also when something goes wrong. A customer who opens an account online, applies for a loan through a mobile app, or completes a transaction digitally naturally expects to resolve any issues through the same digital channels. Traditional avenues such as call centers or branch visits no longer resonate with the expectations of a digitally empowered customer base.

In fact, the expectation goes even further. Today’s digital customers anticipate systems that are intelligent enough to detect failures proactively and resolve them before the customer even raises a complaint. When this does not happen, and customers are forced to navigate fragmented support systems, the experience becomes frustrating. The inability to lodge a complaint easily or receive swift digital resolution leaves customers feeling unheard and undervalued.

This disconnect undermines the very promise of digital transformation. Despite offering cutting-edge services, banks risk losing customer trust and loyalty if the support experience does not match the simplicity and efficiency of the front-end journey. Lost voices in fragmented complaint systems translate into dissatisfaction, reduced engagement, and ultimately, negative impacts on revenue and brand perception.

The path forward is clear: banks must embrace a truly end-to-end digital journey - one that does not end at service delivery but extends seamlessly into customer support. Digital transformation should not only focus on enabling transactions but also on closing the feedback loop in real time.

This requires embedding complaint handling directly into the digital architecture of banking solutions. It means building systems that can capture issues instantly, track them transparently, and resolve them efficiently - without requiring customers to step off their digital experience. Every touchpoint, from initiation to resolution, must be designed with the same level of simplicity, speed, and intelligence.

An effective digital complaint management system should include automated detection of anomalies, real-time notifications, self-service resolution options, and, where necessary, swift escalation pathways - all accessible through digital channels. More importantly, it should provide customers with visibility and assurance that their concerns are being addressed.

In a market where customer expectations are continuously evolving, differentiation will no longer be driven solely by the sophistication of products but by the quality of experiences. Banks that succeed will be those that listen as well as they innovate - those that not only digitize services but also humanize the digital journey through responsiveness and empathy.

Ultimately, a truly transformed bank is one that ensures every interaction is digital, every complaint is resolved swiftly, and every customer feels heard. This is where trust is built, loyalty is strengthened, and long-term competitive advantage is secured.

Because in the end, a delighted customer is not just a satisfied user who is likely to spend more - it is an enduring source of value.

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ABSA BANK TANZANIA SHOWCASES INNOVATIVE BANKING SOLUTIONS AT NANE NANE 2026

Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Daniel Chongolo (centre), receives an explanation about various banking services offered by Absa Bank Tanzania during his visit to the bank’s pavilion at the 32nd International Nane Nane Farmers’ Exhibition, which concluded yesterday at the Dr. John Samuel Malecela Grounds in Dodoma Region.

Absa Bank Tanzania’s Head of Customer Network, Ms. Irene Mwilongo Msungu (second left), explains the banking services offered by the bank to a Dodoma resident, Mr. Pius Killo, during his visit to the bank’s pavilion at the 32nd International Nane Nane Farmers’ Exhibition, which concluded yesterday at the Dr. John Samuel Malecela Grounds in Dodoma Region. On the left is the bank’s Dodoma Regional Branch Manager, Mr. Deogratias Luena, while third left is Absa Bank Tanzania’s Manager Citizenship and Events, Ms. Abigail Lukuvi.

Absa Bank Tanzania’s Dodoma Regional Branch Manager, Mr. Deogratias Luena (centre), explains the banking services offered by the bank to some students who visited the bank’s pavilion during the 32nd International Nane Nane Farmers’ Exhibition, which concluded yesterday at the Dr. John Samuel Malecela Grounds in Dodoma Region.

Absa Bank Tanzania Dodoma Branch employee, Mr. Emmanuel Basharasha, explains the banking services offered by the bank to some visitors at the bank’s pavilion during the 32nd International Nane Nane Farmers’ Exhibition held at the Dr. John Samuel Malecela Grounds in Dodoma Region yesterday.

Absa Bank Tanzania Dodoma Branch Sales Officer, Mr. Gabriel Mlaga (right), takes a photograph of a customer as part of the process of opening a new account during the customer’s visit to the bank’s pavilion at the 32nd International Nane Nane Farmers’ Exhibition held at the Dr. John Samuel Malecela Grounds in Dodoma Region yesterday.

Absa Bank Tanzania’s Head of Customer Network, Ms. Irene Mwilongo Msungu (second right), explains the banking services and products offered by the bank to Research Director from the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), Dr. John Joseph (second left), during his visit to the bank’s pavilion at the 32nd International Nane Nane Farmers’ Exhibition, which concluded yesterday at the Dr. John Samuel Malecela Grounds in Dodoma Region.

Absa Bank Tanzania’s Head of Customer Network, Ms. Irene Mwilongo Msungu (centre), the bank’s Manager for Citizenship and Events, Ms. Abigail Lukuvi (second left), and some employees from Absa Bank Dodoma Branch pose for a group photograph at the bank’s pavilion during the 32nd International Nane Nane Farmers’ Exhibition held at the Dr. John Samuel Malecela Grounds in Dodoma Region. (Photos: Mgongo Media)

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