Digital drive to boost trade, tourism in Zanzibar

ZANZIBAR: THE Zanzibar government has expressed commitment to enhancing trade, travel and tourism by partnering with NMB Bank to implement touchless digital payment platforms, recently unveiled in the Isles.

Developed in collaboration with Mastercard, this initiative aims to simplify financial transactions and stimulate economic growth, making Zanzibar a more appealing destination for travellers and businesses alike.

According to Mastercard, NMB is the first bank globally to utilise the QR Pay by Link with Click to Pay service, which is expected to significantly contribute to a cashless economy.

Principal Secretary in Zanzibar’s Ministry of Tourism and Heritage, Dr Aboud Suleiman Jumbe said that investing in touchless digital payment solutions will enhance Tanzania’s attractiveness to international visitors, ultimately boosting tourism revenues across the travel trade value chain.

“The launch of this service will create new economic opportunities, building on the significant growth we’ve seen over the past four years, thanks to strong support from financial institutions,” he noted.

Dr Jumbe expressed the Zanzibar government’s commitment to working closely with NMB and other national development stakeholders to strengthen and enhance the tourism sector, maximising its potential for growth.

He praised NMB and Mastercard for their innovative partnership, stating that this solution will not only transform the local payment landscape but also position Zanzibar and Tanzania as a model for introducing unique services to tourists.

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NMB’s Chief of Retail Banking, Mr Filbert Mponzi, described the initiative as a monumental advancement in digital payments, benefitting both Tanzanians and visitors.

“This is a significant step in advancing our national payment system, providing innovative solutions for business owners while ensuring secure transactions for customers,” he explained.

This innovation will expand payment options for local businesses that lack official payment systems, allowing them to use ‘NMB QR Pay by Link’ as an alternative to traditional POS solutions.

Mr Mponzi added that this groundbreaking method will support efforts by both the Union and Zanzibar governments to make Tanzania a more attractive tourist destination, facilitating easy transactions for visitors.

“With this launch, we expect to enhance the growth of the tourism sector in Zanzibar and across Tanzania, alleviating payment challenges for businesses and tourists,” he said, noting that the Spice Islands welcomed 700,000 visitors last year.

He also said that over 100 businesses in Zanzibar have already adopted the ‘NMB QR Pay by Link’ service, recognising its potential and economic benefits.

During the launch ceremony, Mastercard honoured NMB as the first bank in the world to offer the QR Pay by Link with Click to Pay service, presenting a special award to Mr Mponzi from Mr Shehryar Bahk Ali, Mastercard’s Senior Vice-President for East Africa and the Indian Ocean.

Mr Ali said that this new payment solution reflects NMB’s innovative approach, positioning it as a global leader in digital payments.

“We are proud to partner with NMB on this groundbreaking initiative, a first of its kind worldwide, marking a significant achievement for both the country and its people,” he said, noting that NMB has initiated a revolution poised to drive remarkable economic changes globally.