By Guardian Correspondent , The Guardian
TRADERS in Kariakoo are set to gain wider access to customers and digital payment services during the third Kariakoo Festival, after NMB Bank announced 165m/- in sponsorship for the event.
The three-day festival, themed “Bei Shwaa Shwaa,” will run from September 25 to 27 at Mnazi Mmoja grounds in Dar es Salaam, bringing together traders and consumers through discounted sales and promotional activities.
The 2026 edition was officially launched on September 8 with a procession that started at Mnazi Mmoja, passed through Lumumba and Uhuru roads, as well as Msimbazi and Mkunguni streets, before ending at Kariakoo Market.
Kariakoo Markets Corporation General Manager Ashraph Abdulkarim led the launch on behalf of Ilala District Commissioner Edward Mpogolo. Officials from the Kariakoo Traders Association and festival organisers also attended.
Speaking at the launch, NMB Head of Business Banking Alex Mgeni said the bank’s participation would focus on helping traders reach more customers while promoting safer and more efficient payment methods.
“NMB wants to be present wherever business takes place. We want to see traders in Kariakoo, Dar es Salaam and across Tanzania grow together with their businesses,” Mgeni said.
During the festival, traders will be able to receive payments through NMB Lipa Namba and NMB Mkononi, while the bank will showcase NMB Tap, a contactless payment service that allows customers to pay using devices such as rings, wristbands and payment stickers.
Mgeni said digital payment services would enable traders to serve customers more quickly while maintaining transaction records, an important advantage during a festival expected to attract large numbers of buyers.
Beyond payments, NMB will use the festival to provide traders with information about working-capital financing and other financial solutions designed to support business growth.
Eligible customers can access Mshiko Fasta digital loans of up to 2m/- for individuals and 5m/- for businesses through NMB Mkononi, subject to approved limits.
The NMB SME World Business Credit Card offers eligible businesses credit of up to 50m/-, together with up to 53 interest-free days on qualifying transactions.
Abdulkarim said this year’s festival was particularly significant because it follows the completion of reconstruction and improvement works at Kariakoo Market following the fire that damaged parts of the facility.
He said the festival would provide traders and consumers with an opportunity to see the rebuilt market, including its stalls, commercial spaces and available services.
“The objective is to enable traders to sell at affordable prices and reduce stock held in their warehouses as the year draws to a close,” he said, urging traders to register and consumers to attend.
One Voice Events Managing Director and Kariakoo Festival Coordinator George Lupenza said NMB’s continued sponsorship had played an important role in enabling the festival to reach its third edition.
He said the partnership had also helped broaden the festival’s reach among traders and consumers.
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