CRDB Bank has reached a historic milestone with three major partnerships with leading development finance institutions: FinDev Canada, DEG (KfW Group, Germany), and Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB). These landmark agreements are a key part of the bank’s ongoing transformation journey, aimed at promoting inclusive and sustainable finance throughout Africa. These collaborations were formalized during the CRDB Bank Investors and Partners Forum, which took place on the sidelines of the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings in Washington D.C. The event was held in partnership with Invest Africa and brought together a distinguished group of global investors, government officials, and key stakeholders from Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The forum featured senior dignitaries, including the Minister of Finance of Burundi, the Minister of Information of the DRC, the Governors of the Central Banks of Tanzania and Burundi, the Ambassadors of Tanzania and Burundi to the United States, and the Permanent Secretary of the Treasury from the Ministry of Finance of Tanzania, Dr. Natu El-Maamry Mwamba. Dr. Mwamba led the Tanzanian delegation to the World Bank and IMF Meetings and served as the Guest of Honor at the forum.
East Africa continues to face critical financing gaps, particularly in areas like micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), climate-smart agriculture, and affordable housing. CRDB Bank has strategically positioned itself as a regional leader in addressing these challenges. Through its innovative approach, the bank is mobilizing capital, expertise, and technology to create tangible, positive impacts for communities and businesses across the region.
The partnerships were signed by Abdulmajid Nsekela, CRDB Bank’s Group Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, alongside the leadership of the partner organizations. This includes Thierno-Habib Hann, CEO of Shelter Afrique Development Bank, Roland Siller, CEO of DEG, and Lori Kerr, CEO of FinDev Canada. Each agreement reflects a clear commitment to advancing shared goals in economic growth and social impact.
Inclusive Growth and Empowerment: In partnership with FinDev Canada, CRDB Bank secured a USD 60 million sustainability-linked facility aimed at expanding financing for MSMEs, with a particular focus on supporting women-owned businesses and climate-resilient projects. This is part of CRDB Bank’s wider strategy to empower businesses and entrepreneurs, driving economic inclusion across East Africa.
Supporting SMEs: Through its partnership with DEG, CRDB Bank will unlock a USD 50 million facility dedicated to supporting SME sub-loans. This initiative is designed to foster business growth, innovation, and job creation in Tanzania, helping local enterprises thrive and contribute to the broader economy.
Affordable Housing and Social Equity: The partnership with Shelter Afrique Development Bank is particularly impactful, addressing the region’s acute housing deficit. It begins with a USD 10 million facility for CRDB DRC, aimed at financing affordable housing solutions. This initiative is an essential part of CRDB Bank’s strategy to tackle one of the most pressing social challenges in East Africa—ensuring access to safe, affordable housing for all.
In his remarks during the signing ceremony, CRDB Bank’s Group CEO, Abdulmajid Nsekela, emphasized the importance of these partnerships in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for Africa. “These partnerships reflect our shared vision of an Africa that is financially inclusive, food secure, and sustainably developed. At CRDB Bank, we believe finance should be a force for good—unlocking potential, creating jobs, and driving long-term value for communities. By joining hands with institutions like FinDev Canada, DEG, and Shelter Afrique, we are accelerating our vision to transform lives and develop economies to their fullest potential. This is more than capital; it is confidence in Africa’s future,” Nsekela remarked.
Thierno-Habib Hann, CEO of Shelter Afrique Development Bank, also highlighted the critical role of affordable housing in the broader context of economic growth and regional integration. “At Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB), we believe that affordable housing and urban infrastructure are the foundation of inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Our partnership with CRDB Bank reflects our shared vision to channel capital toward impact, equity, and regional integration. Together, we are not only financing homes, we are financing dignity, opportunity, and the infrastructure of a more resilient Africa. Our plan extends beyond DRC; we aim to support CRDB Bank in Tanzania and Burundi as well. Our Advisory Services will ensure that CRDB Bank’s housing finance team is well-equipped to manage the integrated housing value chain in a de-risked manner. This partnership reinforces our joint commitment to ensuring that every African family has access to safe, affordable, and climate-resilient housing, which remains the cornerstone of sustainable urban transformation while promoting regional integration through trade in construction materials across countries,” said Hann.
These collaborations go beyond providing financing; they are designed to deliver long-term affordability, sustainability, and measurable social impact. The partnerships strengthen CRDB Bank’s strategic position, generating value for both investors and local communities.
Lori Kerr, CEO of FinDev Canada, echoed the significance of their partnership with CRDB Bank: “FinDev Canada’s partnership with CRDB Bank is built on a shared commitment to creating opportunity where it’s needed most. By deepening our collaboration, we’re mobilizing capital and investing in the potential of local markets, entrepreneurs, and communities across Sub-Saharan Africa. This MOU is an important step toward strengthening meaningful engagement, co-investment, and long-term impact in critical sectors that support sustainable development and climate action.”
The CRDB Bank Investors and Partners Forum also served as a vital platform for exploring regional transformation and investment opportunities in Tanzania, Burundi, and the DRC. The dialogue underscored CRDB Bank’s growing role as a bridge between global finance and local impact, showcasing how MSMEs, farmers, and local communities are benefiting from the bank’s strategic initiatives.
With its strong East African presence and strategic reach through its Dubai Representative Office, CRDB Bank is not only positioning itself as a regional leader in inclusive finance but also as a trusted link to global markets. These partnerships highlight the bank’s ambition to extend its impact beyond East Africa, supporting inclusive prosperity and sustainable growth across the African continent and beyond. Through these initiatives, CRDB Bank is demonstrating its commitment to advancing both financial inclusion and sustainable economic development.
