CRDB Bank has solidified its status as a powerhouse in Tanzania’s financial sector by winning three top accolades at the 2025 Euromoney Awards for Excellence, held in the London at the weekend.

The bank was crowned best bank in Tanzania, best bank for SMEs, and best bank for ESG (environmental, social and governance) needs, a rare triple honour that reflects its leadership in sustainable, inclusive and transformative banking.

Tully Esther Mwambapa, the CRDB Bank Foundation managing director, received the awards on behalf of CRDB Bank, joining over 500 finance professionals from across the globe for the high-profile ceremony. 

Representatives from the Tanzanian embassy in the UK were also in attendance, underscoring the national significance of the moment, a bank statement affirmed.

The recognition comes as CRDB marks its 30th anniversary, a milestone that coincides with the bank’s rising influence within and beyond Tanzania’s borders, with its recently expanded operations into Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the United Arab Emirates.

“These awards speak to the heart of our mission, to be a trusted partner in progress for individuals, businesses and communities,” the bank executive underlined. “As we mark 30 years of CRDB Bank, this recognition reminds us that purpose-driven banking delivers lasting impact,” she declared.

CRDB’s recognition as best bank for ESG matters cements its role as a pioneer in responsible banking, as it was the first Tanzanian bank to issue a green bond—listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, and remains the country’s only financial institution accredited by the Green Climate Fund. 

The bank’s impact-led initiatives, including the Imbeju programme and projects under the CRDB Bank Foundation, have empowered thousands of women and youth-led enterprises across the region, the statement noted.

Winning the best bank for SMEs award highlights CRDB’s commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises, a keynote lever of Tanzania’s economy. Through tailored financial solutions and capacity-building programmes, the bank has played a pivotal role in strengthening business resilience and promoting inclusive economic growth.

Being named best bank in Tanzania overall reaffirms CRDB’s innovation, digital leadership and strong financial performance. With over five million customers, a branch network exceeding 260 locations and more than 36,000 agents (CRDB Wakala), the bank continues to drive financial inclusion, particularly in rural and underserved communities, it explained..

Earlier this year, CRDB’s Islamic banking arm, CRDB Al Barakah, was also named Tanzania’s best Islamic bank at the 2025 Euromoney Islamic finance awards in Dubai—bringing the bank’s total Euromoney wins this year to four.

“We are proud but not complacent,” the director emphasized, affirming that the bank’s focus “remains on growing and future-proofing our business, while creating meaningful, inclusive impact across the societies we serve.”

As the only Tanzanian bank recognised at this year’s global event, CRDB’s win also signals growing international recognition of the country’s banking sector as a whole.

Established in 1996 and listed on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange, CRDB Bank Plc is Tanzania’s largest bank and among the most innovative financial institutions in East and Central Africa. 

The bank offers universal banking services—including retail, corporate, SME, insurance and capital markets—with a robust digital ecosystem that includes mobile and internet banking.

Through strong governance, regional expansion and purpose-led initiatives, CRDB Bank is helping to shape the future of banking in Africa—empowering communities, enabling businesses and transforming lives, he statement added.