Barclays Bank hosts its Zanzibar customers to a thanks-giving cocktail event

Barclays Bank’s Managing Director, Abdi Mohamed (on the right) in conversation with a client during the cocktail event.

Barclays Bank’s Finance Director, Obedi Solomon Laiser (in the middle) engaging with clients during the cocktail event.

Barclays Bank’s Human Resource Director, Patrick Foya (right) engaging with customers during the cocktail event.

Barclays Bank’s Chairman, Simon Mponji (left) and Dr Suleiman Rashid Mohamed (extreme right) in conversation with clients during the cocktail event.

Barclays Bank’s Corporate Director, Brian Kalero (Right) in conversation with clients during the cocktail event.

Barclays Bank Tanzania Limited (BBT) on Tuesday, 26th of November hosted its Zanzibar customers to a cocktail event. The event was not only a platform to appreciate the continued support of its customers but was also used to provide an opportunity for clients to join BBT in its transition journey and be informed of the expected milestones as the Bank prepares to rebrand into Absa.

Speaking during the event, the bank’s Managing Director, Mr. Abdi Mohamed said, “Our brand and name change to Absa is proceeding as planned. We have taken a sequenced approach and expect some branches to reflect several elements of the new brand in the first half of December, while some branches will retain the current look.  The intention is to take our customers and the public with us through the transformation journey visually.  We will however continue to operate and trade as Barclays Bank Tanzania Limited until our name officially changes, as approved by the Regulator.” 

Speaking on the bank’s commitment to Tanzania, Mr. Mohamed said, “Barclays is committed to serving its customers and we are proud of the momentum we have built over the past 3 years. Our commitment to our clients has been demonstrated in the successful execution of key financing transactions amounting to TZS 529bn, across sectors such as Oil & Gas, Public Sector, Manufacturing and Agriculture. In addition, our non-funded strategy and focus has been reaffirmed by The Asian Banker 2019 recognition of BBT as the best ‘Cash Management Bank in Tanzania’.

Responding to a question on whether customers can have the same confidence in Absa as they had in Barclays, the bank’s Head of Retail Banking, Mr. Oscar Mwamfwagasi said ”Absa Group is committed to building on Barclays' heritage in Africa and the strengths that we already have on the continent. We have a deep history and local knowledge in Tanzania. Our main products and services haven’t changed. Our customers can bank with us as confidently as they always have. 

You can bank with us as safely as you always have. Absa Group is one of the largest banking groups in Africa, with a balance sheet of more than USD 91 billion, as well as new systems with robust security provisions. ”

In conclusion, Mr. Mwamfwagasi; called for clients to remain vigilant, saying “We will not ask any customer for additional information during this time, and all customer account details will remain the same before and after the transition.”