CHALINZE: THE National Bank of Commerce (NBC) and the Warehouse Receipts Regulatory
Board (WRRB) have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at transforming
Tanzania’s livestock sector by improving access to finance, strengthening formal
livestock markets, and enhancing price transparency for livestock keepers.
The initiative will allow livestock producers participating in the Warehouse
Receipt System (WRS) to use their livestock as collateral to access financial
services from NBC, including working capital and investment loans.
The partnership was officially launched yesterday during the Tri-Nations Livestock
Expo 2026, a three-day regional livestock exhibition and auction held at the Ubena
Zomozi Exhibition Grounds in Chalinze, Coast Region.
NBC Head of Retail and Agribusiness Banking, Mr Raymond Urassa, said the
collaboration reflects the bank’s commitment to advancing financial inclusion and
supporting growth in Tanzania’s productive sectors through innovative financing
models.
“This partnership is designed to unlock economic opportunities for livestock
keepers by linking them to formal financial services and competitive markets.
Through the Warehouse Receipt System, livestock owners will be able to use their
assets to access financing, invest in productivity-enhancing activities such as
commercial livestock fattening, and ultimately maximize returns from their
businesses,” he said.
Mr Urassa noted that the initiative aligns with NBC’s ongoing “Tunakuona Mbali”
campaign, which aims to empower entrepreneurs, farmers, livestock keepers,
employees, and businesses across the country through tailored financial solutions.
He further explained that the partnership addresses a long-standing challenge in the
sector limited access to credit due to insufficient collateral, while creating new
opportunities for investment, productivity growth, and commercialization within
the livestock value chain.
In addition to financing, livestock keepers will access a range of banking products
designed to support business expansion, improve operational efficiency, and
strengthen financial resilience.
NBC is also encouraging livestock keepers to open the NBC Livestock Account, as
specialized banking product tailored for the sector and offered without account
maintenance fees.
WRRB Quality Control Officer, Mr Anatolius Kabyemela, said WRRB is working
closely with the Ministry of Livestock to finalize operational guidelines for
integrating livestock into the Warehouse Receipt System.
“We are in the final stages of establishing the regulatory framework required to
operationalize this model. Once implemented, the system will enhance
transparency, strengthen price discovery mechanisms, and enable livestock keepers
to realize the true market value of their assets,” he said.
Mr Kabyemela added that the initiative is expected to improve market efficiency,
increase competitiveness, and promote greater participation in formal financial
systems while supporting the government’s broader agenda of formalizing
agricultural and livestock trade.
He elaborated that WRRB and NBC will continue awareness campaigns and
stakeholder engagement programmes to ensure livestock keepers fully understand
and benefit from the framework.
Tanzania Livestock Keepers Association Chairman, Mr Mrida Mshota, welcomed
the partnership, describing it as a major milestone for the industry.
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“For many years, livestock keepers have faced challenges related to market access
and limited financing opportunities. This initiative provides a practical solution by
creating a transparent trading environment while improving access to affordable
credit and competitive markets,” he said.
Mr Mshota added that the system will enhance incomes for livestock producers
and contribute to increased government revenue through a more structured and
formalized livestock trading ecosystem.
Livestock keepers attending the exhibition, including Mr Augustino Lemomo and
Mr Magumba Kombe, also expressed confidence that the partnership will
accelerate modernization and commercial growth in Tanzania’s livestock sector.