ZANZIBAR: The Second Vice President of Zanzibar, Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, joined Muslims across the islands at an Iftar gathering hosted by National Bank of Commerce (NBC) for its customers and stakeholders in Zanzibar.
The event brought together government officials, religious leaders, NBC clients, and staff. Among the guests was the Deputy Grand Mufti of Zanzibar, Sheikh Mahmoud Mussa Wadi. NBC’s Director of Credit, Saleh Mohammed, represented Managing Director Theobald Sabi.
Addressing attendees, Abdulla commended NBC for organizing the gathering, describing it as a demonstration of the bank’s commitment to fostering strong community relationships. He acknowledged the institution’s contribution to Zanzibar’s development through financial services, advisory support, and participation in social and economic initiatives.
He said bringing stakeholders together during the Holy Month of Ramadan reflected a sense of shared purpose and mutual respect. The gesture, he noted, strengthened bonds between the bank and the community while carrying spiritual significance.
Abdulla observed that NBC has built a reputation for aligning commercial objectives with social responsibility.
He said this commitment to faith-based engagement and national development influenced his decision to attend and convey the Government’s appreciation.
He emphasized that initiatives of this nature attract more Zanzibaris to the institution, not only for financial services but also for the values it demonstrates.
According to him, the bank’s engagement extends beyond transactions to meaningful partnerships.
The Vice President reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to maintaining an enabling environment for financial institutions.
He said sustained economic growth, supported by development projects and key sectors such as tourism, trade, and fisheries, offers opportunities for banks to expand services and contribute to national progress.
Speaking on behalf of NBC, Saleh Mohammed said Iftar gatherings form part of the bank’s longstanding tradition of engaging communities across different regions, including Zanzibar. He attributed NBC’s growth to strong client relationships and services tailored to customer needs, including faith-based considerations.
He highlighted the bank’s La’ Riba service, which provides financial solutions compliant with Islamic principles.
The offering, he said, reflects NBC’s responsiveness to the requirements of Muslim customers.
Mohammed added that the bank continues to expand its digital banking platforms to enhance convenience and efficiency.
Services include online account opening, government payments through the Government Electronic Payment Gateway, electricity purchases, and bill payments.
He encouraged customers to use the NBC Kiganjani App, NBC Connect, point-of-sale machines, and payment cards to access secure and efficient banking services.
The event concluded with the presentation of gifts to invited guests, followed by networking among participants. The gathering underscored the link between faith, commerce, and community engagement during Ramadan, reinforcing NBC’s position as a key partner in Zanzibar’s social and economic development.