Absa Bank Tanzania champions CEO collaboration and investment at The 200 CEOs Business Forum as Diamond Sponsor

Dar es Salaam, 27 August 2025 — Absa Bank Tanzania reaffirmed its commitment to powering growth in Tanzania’s real economy as the Diamond Sponsor of The 200 CEOs Business Forum, an exclusive convening of the nation’s top corporate leaders.

The high-level forum was graced by Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Honorable Dr. Suleiman Hassan Serera, as the Guest of Honor, alongside senior government dignitaries including the Minister of Finance, Minister of Construction, Minister of Investment and Plan, the Commissioner, Tanzania Revenue Authority, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, and the Governor, Bank of Tanzania, among others.

The Forum advanced a clear public–private agenda. Opening perspectives from the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC), Tanzania National Business Council (TNBC), Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) and the Tanzania Association of Management Consultants (TAOMAC) framed a pro-investment outlook. Senior government principals set near-term priorities to boost competitiveness, and the Guest of Honour’s keynote called for coordinated action to scale jobs and exports. A macro update from the Bank of Tanzania guided boardroom planning, while Absa’s sponsor briefing linked tailored financing and risk solutions to execution on the ground. Three focused dialogues then addressed leadership and governance, health and workforce resilience, and the financing pathways to unlock growth – culminating in PPP insights from the national centre and a celebratory gala recognising excellence across industries.

Absa’s Diamond Sponsorship underscores the bank’s long-term partnership with Tanzania’s public and private sectors to accelerate inclusive growth. By convening policy-makers and industry leaders in one room, the forum enables practical alignment on regulations, bankable projects and risk-sharing structures that catalyse investment at scale—turning ambition into action.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Obedi S. Laiser, Managing Director, Absa Bank Tanzania, said: “This forum is more than a meeting of minds; it is a platform for decisions that move capital, create jobs, formalise value chains, and unlock export potential. As Absa, we are proud to stand with Tanzania’s business leaders at this pivotal moment. Our purpose -‘Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together… one story at a time’ – comes alive when we back the ambitions of CEOs and entrepreneurs with practical, well-priced, and timely financial solutions.”

Throughout the day, CEOs engaged with Absa’s representatives at the Absa solutions booth. Executives explored seamless travel and spend control with the Absa Infinite Card, streamlined expenses via the Absa Business Credit Card, and fleet and equipment renewal through Vehicle Asset Finance/Commercial Asset Finance. Risk protection and liquidity planning were front and centre with Bancassurance and the Flexi Fixed Deposit, while relationship-led banking under our Prestige and Premier offering, and cross-border convenience through Diaspora Banking met the needs of affluent and international clients. Public-sector attendees also experienced the speed and convenience of e-Loans for Government Employees—all reinforcing Absa’s promise that Your Story Matters.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Honorable Dr. Suleiman Hassan Serera (left), presents a certificate of appreciation to Absa Bank Tanzania Managing Director, Mr. Obedi Laiser, in recognition of Absa’s ‘Diamond’ sponsorship during the 3rd edition of the 200 CEOs Business Forum, held in Dar es Salaam yesterday.
Absa Bank Tanzania Managing Director, Mr. Obedi Laiser (left), makes a contribution on the topic “Finance as a Catalyst for Business Growth in Tanzania: Strategy & Opportunities” during a panel discussion at the Absa-sponsored 3rd edition of the 200 CEOs Business Forum, held in Dar es Salaam yesterday. Seated beside him are his fellow panelists.

Absa Bank Tanzania Managing Director, Mr. Obedi Laiser (centre), displays a certificate of appreciation shortly after it was presented to him by the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Honorable Dr. Suleiman Hassan Serera (second left), during the 3rd edition of the 200 CEOs Business Forum, which was primarily sponsored by the financial institution, in Dar es Salaam yesterday. Looking on are some of the bank’s senior officials.