The CRDB
Bank Foundation has launched the IMBEJU Empowerment campaign to connect young
and female entrepreneurs with financial training and support.
The first phase will begin in the Highlands Region, covering Mbeya, Songwe, Ruvuma, Njombe, Katavi, and Rukwa where more than 12,000 entrepreneurs and 1,000 entrepreneur groups will benefit from financial education, business training, and entrepreneurship support.
Later, the campaign will expand to the South and Central Zones.
Bonaventura
Paul, Director of Small and Medium Customers of CRDB Bank, praised the
Foundation for initiating the campaign whose goal is to reach reaching small
entrepreneurs, particularly in rural areas, to enhance financial inclusion and
boost the national economy.
"Financial
services are crucial to economic development, and CRDB Bank is committed to
supporting all societal groups. This campaign will promote inclusion for many
women and young entrepreneurs in the country," said Bonaventura.
He
encouraged women and young entrepreneurs to join the IMBEJU program, noting
that special windows are available at all 260 bank branches.
"Our
goal is that after completing this program, participants can access empowerment
opportunities through CRDB Bank, with loans of up to 3 billion shillings based
on their business repayment capacity," he added.
Acting
Executive Director of CRDB Bank Foundation, Fadhil Bushagama, explained that
the campaign is part of the Foundation's efforts to promote financial and
economic inclusion for young people and women entrepreneurs.
“The
IMBEJU program has already reached over 600,000 women and young entrepreneurs,
providing more than TZS11 billion in capital,” he noted.
Bushagama
expressed gratitude to the government, led by President Dr. Samia Suluhu
Hassan, for creating policies that empower youth and women.
He also
acknowledged the Ministry of Social Development, Gender, Women, Children, and
Special Groups, and the Ministry of TAMISEMI for their partnership in
implementing the IMBEJU program.
