Zanzibar: Exim Bank Tanzania has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the growth and sustainability of the tourism industry by participating as Platinum Sponsor of the Z-Summit 2026, taking place from 11th to 12th February 2026 at the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA), Tunguu.
This marks the fourth consecutive year that Exim Bank has supported the summit since its inception.
Z-Summit has established itself as Zanzibar’s premier tourism business and investment platform, bringing together tourism investors, tour operators, hoteliers, travel agents, policymakers, and service providers from Tanzania, the East African region, and international markets.
The summit plays a critical role in fostering partnerships, unlocking investment opportunities, and shaping the future of sustainable tourism development in Zanzibar.
In addition to the Tour Operator Account and insurance solutions, Exim Bank has continued to innovate in supporting tour operators through digital payment systems. The Bank was the first financial institution in Tanzania to introduce the Exim TANAPA Card, enabling tour operators to make seamless cashless payments for park entry and related services.
The solution has since evolved to allow direct payments from tour operators’ accounts through online and internet banking platforms to TANAPA and the NCAA Safari Portal, significantly improving operational efficiency and reducing transaction turnaround time.
Furthermore, Exim Bank has strengthened the wider tourism value chain through the introduction of Supply Chain Finance solutions. This facility enables suppliers and service providers within the tourism ecosystem to access short-term financing through a streamlined digital process with faster disbursement and without the need for additional collateral.
By improving liquidity across the tourism supply chain, the Bank is supporting smoother business operations and sustainable sector growth.
Exim Bank’s continued participation reflects its strategic focus on supporting sectors that are central to economic growth, employment creation, and foreign exchange earnings. Tourism remains a cornerstone of Zanzibar’s economy, and the bank has consistently invested in financial solutions that respond to the unique operational and financing needs of tourism-related businesses.
Through its engagement at Z-Summit, Exim Bank is showcasing tailored products and services designed specifically for the tourism ecosystem, including the Tour Operator Account, which facilitates efficient cashless transactions and simplified financial management, as well as insurance solutions that enhance risk mitigation and business resilience for tourism operators and investors.
Speaking on behalf of the Bank, Exim Bank Chief Financial Officer, Shani Kinswaga, said the opening of our Paje branch marks a strategic expansion of our footprint in Zanzibar and reinforces our commitment to the tourism sector as a key driver of economic growth.
“By bringing financial services closer to tourism operators, entrepreneurs, and surrounding communities, we are strengthening financial inclusion and supporting the continued growth of Zanzibar’s vibrant, tourism-driven economy.
“Our presence on the islands is designed to deliver tailored financial solutions that enable businesses to thrive and communities to prosper,” said Kinswaga.
In line with its broader growth strategy, Exim Bank has also announced its intention to further expand its physical presence in Zanzibar through the opening of an additional branch, aimed at bringing banking services closer to tourism stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and communities.
This expansion underscores the bank’s confidence in Zanzibar’s economic trajectory and its commitment to supporting business growth and investment in the islands.
Beyond banking, Exim Bank continues to play an active role in community development through its corporate social responsibility programme, Exim Cares.
In recent years, the bank has implemented impactful initiatives in healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability, including contributions to improving healthcare infrastructure for children with special needs at Muhimbili National Hospital, nationwide blood donation campaigns in partnership with the National Blood Transfusion Service, support for medical facilities through the donation of essential equipment, and environmental conservation initiatives such as tree-planting programmes.
A representative from the Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors (ZATI) welcomed Exim Bank’s continued engagement with the tourism sector, noting its importance in supporting investors and operators.
“Financial support is critical for the sustainability of the tourism industry. Exim Bank’s commitment and its plans to expand its presence in Zanzibar will help strengthen confidence among tourism investors and operators,” said the ZATI representative.
By supporting Z-Summit 2026, Exim Bank reinforces its position as a strategic partner to the tourism sector and a committed contributor to Zanzibar’s broader socio-economic development agenda.