The Latest

Malawi Bank Buy 51% Stake in ACB Bank Tanzania

March 9, 2021
1 minute read
Natinal Bank Malawi ACB Akiba Tanzania

National Bank of Malawi plc (NBM), the leading bank in the country, has completed the acquisition of a 51% controlling stake in Akiba Commercial Bank plc (ACB) of Tanzania for a consideration of USD 7.31 million through a share subscription.

NMB explains in its cautionary statement to investors that the acquisition is in line with the banks’ current strategic plan which has regional expansion as one of its key thrusts.

“The acquisition is expected to bring about growth in business for both NBM and ACB as it upscales the business of ACB to the standards of NBM,” the statement reads.

NBM is listed on the Malawi Stock Exchange with a market capitalization of MWK 304 billion. The investment in ACB is approximately 2% of the NBMs current market capitalization. However, negotiations are ongoing for an additional stake in ACB.

ACB was established in 1997 and offers a range of banking and financial services in Tanzania. It has strong SME roots and operates 18 branches across the country.

Want to know more about Banking in Tanzania? Our free Tanzania Business and Investment Guide 2026 covers Banking, plus regulations, key sectors, and investment opportunities—all in one place.

Download Free Guide
Tweet
Share
Share
Share
Related Posts
Bank of Tanzania Financial Stability Index 2014-2025
Read More

Tanzania Banking Assets Up 23.8%, Capital Markets Up 35.1%, Social Security Up 21.4%, Insurance Up 6.8% in 2025

The Bank of Tanzania Financial Stability Report for 2025 shows banking sector total assets grew 23.8% to TZS 76,975 billion, private sector credit expanded 23.5% with mining up 30.1% and trade up 29.4%, and the non-performing loans ratio fell to 2.8%, the lowest in the East African Community. Total capital market investment rose 35.1% to TZS 63,096.4 billion, social security assets grew 21.4% to TZS 25,921 billion, insurance assets rose 6.8% to TZS 2,633.6 billion, and foreign reserves stood at USD 6,312 million covering 5.2 months of imports.
Central Bank of Tanzania BOT CBR Interest Rate Q2 2026
Read More

BOT Keeps Tanzania Central Bank Rate at 5.75% for Q2 2026; GDP Growth Reached 6.2% in Q1 2026, Driven by Construction, Agriculture, Financial Services, and Tourism

The Bank of Tanzania (BOT) recently released its Monetary Policy Report of April 2026, in which it indicates that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to keep the Central Bank Rate (CBR) at 5.75% in Q2 2026. The decision reflects a cautious policy stance aimed at balancing the risks to inflation and economic growth outlook, in the face of the current unprecedented geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Tanzania banking sector performance Q1 2026
Read More

Tanzania Banking Sector Q1 2026 Performance: Net Profit Up 16% to TZS 671 Billion, Top Five Banks Hold 60–65% of Assets

Tanzania's banking sector recorded net profit after tax of TZS 671 billion in Q1 2026, up 16% from TZS 580 billion in Q1 2025, on total assets of TZS 84.6 trillion, according to AML Finance Limited. CRDB profit rose 19% to TZS 206 billion and NMB reached TZS 193 billion, while the top 5 banks now hold 60–65% of total sector assets, with average ROE at 10.6% and NPL at 6.5%.

Want to know more about investing in Tanzania? Our free Tanzania Business and Investment Guide 2026 covers key sectors, regulations, and investment opportunities—all in one place.

Download Free Guide