NMB Bank Plc and Mastercard empower SMEs with new traders’ card to boost trade and growth

• With the new card, SMEs in Tanzania will have access to seamless cross-border payments and exclusive merchant discounts.
• Enhanced cost efficiencies enable businesses to scale and access new markets.

Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania | 26 June 2025: NMB Bank Plc, in collaboration with Mastercard, has launched the NMB Business Debit Traders card designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and microbusinesses in Tanzania grow their operations and expand their reach across borders. Tailored for the specific needs of traders, the new card simplifies domestic and cross-border transactions while unlocking access to exclusive discounts through Mastercard’s Easy Savings merchant platform.
 
With this payment solution, Tanzanian SMEs can now seamlessly process payments across major trade corridors including China, Turkey, the UAE, and Nigeria—regions where many local traders source goods and grow supplier relationships. By reducing transaction barriers and enhancing payment security, the card supports SMEs in boosting efficiency, lowering operational costs, and scaling operations.
 
“We are proud to collaborate with NMB Bank Plc in launching the traders’ card, which aligns with our commitment to accelerating financial inclusion and enabling businesses to grow. SMEs are the backbone of our economies, and this solution provides them with secure, flexible, and efficient payment options that enhance their business operations,” said Shehryar Ali, Senior Vice President and Country Manager for East Africa and Indian Ocean Islands at Mastercard.
 
The card is uniquely tailored for traders, offering branding and features that cater specifically to their needs. It offers value-added benefits such as cross-border usability, fraud protection and both local and international merchant discounts—enabling SMEs to scale more confidently in today’s digital economy.
 
“At NMB Bank Plc, we recognize the vital role that SMEs play in Tanzania’s economy. The introduction of the traders’ card is a testament to our continued efforts to provide innovative financial solutions that support their growth. By enabling secure and efficient payments, this card will help businesses thrive and expand beyond borders,” said Filbert Mponzi, Chief Retail Banking, NMB Bank Plc.
 
SMEs make up more than 90% of Tanzania’s businesses, and contribute 27-35% to the country’s GDP. Yet, they continue to face challenges such as limited access to finance and credit, and underdeveloped infrastructure. The traders’ card is a strategic step toward closing this gap—empowering entrepreneurs to trade with greater confidence, efficiency, and ease.
 
The launch of the card reinforces Mastercard and NMB Bank’s shared vision of building a more inclusive digital economy. As businesses continue to embrace digital transformation, the traders’ card equips SMEs with the right tools to succeed in both local and international trade.