By A Special Correspondent
NMB Bank has committed TSh 300 million over the next three years to support the Tri-Nations Livestock Expo, reinforcing its push to grow Tanzania’s livestock economy through finance and partnerships.
The annual regional exhibition, held in Coast Region, brings together stakeholders from Tanzania, Kenya and Namibia to promote trade, investment, financing and knowledge-sharing across the livestock value chain.
Speaking during the sponsorship signing at Mbogo Ranches in Chalinze, NMB Head of Agri Retail Nsolo Mlozi said the support aligns with the bank’s agribusiness strategy to widen access to finance, encourage value addition and advance modern production.
“By 2025, NMB Bank had extended over TSh 100 billion in livestock-related loans to support production, infrastructure development, and access to improved breeds,” Mr Mlozi said.
“The sponsorship agreement we are signing today (Feb 12, 2006) with Mbogo Ranches, the organiser and host of the expo, underscores our strategic commitment to modernising the livestock sector and uplifting the livelihoods of Tanzanians who rely on its value chain,” he added.
He said NMB had scaled up its investment to match the growing importance of the Tri-Nations Livestock Expo
This year’s event, set for June 19–21 at Mbogo Ranches, will showcase advances in breeding, feeding, animal health and processing under the theme: “Strengthening Regional Livestock Quality through Trade, Innovation, and Partnership.”
Mr. Mlozi told the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr. Fabian Madele, who attended the signing ceremony, that the expo also plays a critical role in strengthening cross-border trade linkages and regional collaboration.
“Developing this sector means supporting families and households, ensuring proper nutrition, creating jobs, and boosting the national economy,” he said.
The government hailed the growing partnership between NMB Bank and Mbogo Ranches as a catalyst for commercialising Tanzania’s livestock sector and accelerating its contribution to national economic growth and overall development.
In his remarks, Dr. Madele said the collaboration demonstrates how strategic partnerships can unlock the livestock sector’s untapped commercial potential.
Representing the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Agness Meena, Dr. Madele said the collaboration between Mbogo Ranches and NMB Bank Plc in organizing the exhibition supports the vision of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has directed the ministry to push for rapid and major transformation in the livestock sector.
“When she recently swore us in, President Samia ordered fast and significant reforms in the livestock sector. We have taken that seriously, and what NMB and Mbogo Ranches are doing supports that vision. That is why the ministry pledges to support them throughout the three years of this agreement.
He noted that NMB’s increase in sponsorship from TSh 30 million in previous years to TSh 300 million signals rising private-sector confidence in livestock as a viable commercial frontier.
“This is about turning livestock into a modern, market-driven industry that supports farmers, traders, processors and financiers across the value chain,” he said.
Mbogo Ranches Director Naweed Mulla said the expo is being positioned as a regional marketplace linking Tanzanian livestock keepers to opportunities in Kenya, Namibia and other African markets, with more countries expected to join in future editions.
“Next year we will also have participants from Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia,” Mr. Mulla revealed. The three-day event will feature exhibitions, seminars on best farming practices and agribusiness finance, and a major livestock auction, alongside the inclusion of poultry farming and a ‘Queen of Agriculture’ contest for the first time.
