CRDB Bank Plc received the award "the Best SME Bank in Tanzania." from Global Finance

CRDB Bank was named the Best Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) bank in Tanzania by Global Finance – a leading financial international publication, in its annual 2023 SME Bank Awards. The colorful ceremony that saw CRDB Bank scoop this award was recently held in London, United Kingdom.

Global Finance seeks to help corporate leaders, bankers, and investors chart the course of global business & finance. It has become a trusted standard of excellence for banks and their corporate partners. Honorees of the 2023 Best SME Bank Awards have been chosen globally across the following regions: Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean, Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Western Europe.

"It is a great honor for us to receive this special award which is a clear testament to our everlasting support to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises across Tanzania. Our performance in the SME sector results from strong strategic partnerships that we have been able to develop, which have strengthened our funding capabilities," said Bonaventure Paul, Director of Retail Banking for CRDB Bank.

Recently, CRDB Bank received EUR 150 million EIB loan from European Investment Bank, which will enhance access to finance by micro, small and medium-sized enterprises across Tanzania, and includes dedicated financing for women-led businesses and blue economy enterprises. The EIB backed credit line will support business growth, contribute to gender equality and empowerment of women, and enable blue economy companies to invest in a better future.

CRDB Bank was recognized as The Best Bank for SMEs in Tanzania based on independent research, with input from industry insiders, executives, and technology experts using criteria such as knowledge of SME markets and needs, breadth of products and services, market standing, and innovation.

This recognition further highlights CRBD Bank's commitment to enabling the success of its customers by ensuring that every Small and Medium Enterprise business owner gets the support needed to meet their everyday banking needs.

The 2023 Best SME Bank award is based on the performance from April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022. Only five banks in Africa were named the best SME banks, whereby CRDB Bank is the only bank from East and Central Africa.