LISBON: THE CRDB Bank’s Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Professor Neema Mori, has called on international stakeholders to intensify efforts in empowering women economically to enhance their participation in global trade and supply chains.
Prof Mori made the remarks while participating in a panel discussion on Women in Trade and Supply Chains, held on the sidelines of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Global Trade Partners Meeting taking place in Lisbon, Portugal.
During the discussion, she emphasized that women’s empowerment is a key pillar of the bank’s medium-term strategy, noting that CRDB has invested over 800bn/- to finance women-led businesses.
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She explained that the initiative has already reached more than one million women across the country through innovative solutions such as the CRDB Malkia programme, alongside inclusive initiatives implemented by the CRDB Bank Foundation under the IMBEJU programme.
These initiatives provide financial literacy, entrepreneurship training, and link women to market opportunities.
Prof Mori further highlighted the bank’s efforts to open up new markets for women, including enabling them to benefit from regional trade opportunities and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
She added that CRDB is also investing in key sectors such as agriculture, trade, green projects, and clean cooking energy, ensuring women are part of a sustainable and inclusive economy.
The bank’s participation in the global meeting underscores its leadership in advancing economic inclusion by addressing barriers to finance, building business capacity, and empowering women to actively engage in international trade.
Prof Mori concluded by inviting stakeholders to collaborate with the bank, stressing that through innovation, partnerships, and impactful investments, CRDB continues to unlock opportunities for women in Tanzania and across Africa.