By A Special Correspondent
NMB Bank Plc has announced a historic first-ever special dividend of TSh 105.89 per share, marking a major milestone not only for the bank but also for Tanzania’s banking sector, following a record-breaking financial performance in 2025.
The announcement was made on May 20, 2026, during a press briefing held at the bank’s headquarters in Dar es Salaam ahead of the lender’s 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled for June 10, 2026, at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC).
The proposed special dividend comes in addition to an ordinary dividend of TSh 504.26 per share, bringing the total proposed dividend payout for shareholders to TSh 610.15 per share, equivalent to a total payout of approximately TSh 305.08 billion – the largest dividend distribution ever recorded in Tanzania’s banking industry.
Speaking during the briefing, NMB Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ruth Zaipuna, said the milestone reflects the successful execution of the bank’s 2021–2025 Medium-Term Plan (MTP), which delivered unprecedented growth, profitability and shareholder value.
“We would like to officially announce that the 26th Annual General Meeting of NMB Bank shareholders will be held on June 10, 2026, at JNICC as part of our continued commitment to transparency, accountability and engagement with our shareholders and stakeholders,” she said.
Ms. Zaipuna noted that the bank had earlier announced a profit before tax of TSh 1.1 trillion under the concluded five-year strategy, becoming the first company in Tanzania’s history to achieve such a feat.
She added that following completion of the external audit process, the bank’s profit after tax for 2025 increased further from the initially announced TSh 750 billion to TSh 756 billion.
“As a result of this historic performance, management has proposed to the Board of Directors an ordinary dividend of TSh 504.26 per share amounting to TSh 252 billion,” she said.
“In addition, due to the strong growth in the bank’s capital position through our long-term capital plan, the bank is now in a position to announce a special dividend for the first time in its history and also the first of its kind in the history of Tanzania’s banking and financial sector.”
According to Zaipuna, the proposed special dividend amounts to about TSh 52 billion.
She said the bank’s growth over the past five years has significantly increased shareholder returns and market value.
“In 2020, NMB’s total dividend payout stood at only TSh 48 billion. Five years later, the payout has increased to over TSh 305 billion, which demonstrates the strength of our business model and operational discipline,” she said.
She also highlighted the sharp appreciation in NMB’s share price at the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE).
“In 2020, one NMB share traded at around TSh 2,340. As of this (May 20, 2026) morning, the share price had reached TSh 13,130, representing substantial value growth for shareholders,” Ms. Zaipuna noted.
She added that the bank’s market capitalization has now grown to approximately US$2.7 billion, positioning NMB among the largest and most valuable financial institutions in East Africa and across the African continent.
Ms. Zaipuna attributed the bank’s performance to disciplined strategy execution, investments in technology and staff development, and the expansion of digital financial services and strategic financial inclusion initiatives.
“These monumental achievements are a result of disciplined execution of our strategy, significant investments in technology and innovation, and our commitment to improving customer experience and expanding financial inclusion across the country,” she said.
She also commended the government for creating a supportive business and regulatory environment that has enabled the banking sector to continue growing.
NMB Board Chairperson, David Nchimbi, described 2025 as a landmark year in the bank’s history.
“The past five years have been a period of significant transformation, strong growth and remarkable achievements that have strengthened NMB’s position as the leading bank in Tanzania and the most successful in the wider region,” he said.
Mr. Nchimbi thanked shareholders, customers, employees and other stakeholders for their continued support during implementation of the 2021–2025 Medium-Term Plan.
“The Board is recommending both the ordinary dividend and the special dividend for approval by shareholders during the AGM. This brings the total proposed dividend payout for 2025 to the highest ever recorded in Tanzania’s banking sector,” he said.
Meanwhile, NMB’s Director of Investor Relations, Sustainability and Corporate Communication, Innocent Yonazi, said the successful completion of the bank’s five-year strategy demonstrates NMB’s commitment to sustainable value creation and contribution to Tanzania’s economic and social development. According to the AGM notice issued by NMB Bank Plc, shareholders will also consider several strategic resolutions during the meeting, including approval of directors’ remuneration, appointment of external auditors and proposed structural adjustments within the bank.
