NMB Bank and Mastercard Launch Traders’ Card to Drive SME Growth and Cross-Border Trade

In a strategic move to support the growth of Tanzania’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), NMB Bank Plc, in partnership with Mastercard, has introduced the NMB Business Debit Traders’ Card—a new financial product tailored to empower local traders. This initiative aims to simplify both domestic and international transactions while opening doors to exclusive benefits through Mastercard’s Easy Savings merchant platform.

A Financial Lifeline for Tanzanian Traders

The Traders’ Card is designed specifically for SMEs and microbusinesses engaged in regional and global trade. It offers a seamless payment experience for transactions across major trade destinations such as China, Turkey, the UAE, and Nigeria—countries where many Tanzanian traders source goods and build supplier relationships. By reducing transaction complexity and offering secure, real-time payments, the card helps lower operational costs, improve efficiency, and enable business expansion.

Speaking on the launch, Shehryar Ali, Mastercard’s Senior Vice President and Country Manager for East Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, emphasized the broader mission:

“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.”

Supporting Financial Inclusion and Trade Expansion

The new debit card goes beyond being a standard payment tool—it’s embedded with features designed specifically for Tanzanian traders. These include cross-border transaction support, fraud protection, and discounts with select local and international merchants, making it easier for traders to scale their businesses with confidence in the fast-evolving digital economy.

Filbert Mponzi, Chief Retail Banking Officer at NMB Bank Plc, reiterated the bank’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship in Tanzania:

“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.”

With over 90% of businesses in Tanzania categorized as SMEs, and their contribution to national GDP ranging between 27–35%, the need for targeted financial tools is critical. However, many of these enterprises still face limitations in access to finance and credit, alongside infrastructural challenges. The Traders’ Card aims to address these gaps, offering a strategic tool to foster growth, competitiveness, and trade resilience.

The launch reinforces NMB Bank and Mastercard’s shared goal of building a more inclusive digital economy—one where Tanzanian entrepreneurs have the tools, platforms, and financial infrastructure to thrive locally and globally. As the country’s digital transformation accelerates, the Traders’ Card stands as a bold step in enabling the entrepreneurial spirit of Tanzania’s business community.