Access Bank Tanzania Named Fastest Growing Bank for Consumer Loans in Tanzania
Access Bank Tanzania has been named the Fastest Growing Bank for Consumer Loans Tanzania 2026 at the Global Banking & Finance Review Awards, following a period marked by acquisitions, loan book expansion, and increased access to local currency funding.
The recognition was presented by Global Banking & Finance Review, a UK-based financial publication that has organised annual awards since 2011 to recognise institutions demonstrating innovation, business growth, and efforts aimed at expanding access to financial services.
Access Bank Tanzania said the award acknowledges its efforts to strengthen its position in Tanzania’s retail banking segment through acquisitions, funding initiatives, and an expanded distribution network.
Acquisitions Drive Access Bank Tanzania’s Consumer Lending Growth
A key driver behind the bank’s growth was its decision to pursue acquisitions rather than relying solely on gradual organic expansion.
The lender completed the integration of the Consumer, Private and Business Banking business of Standard Chartered Bank Tanzania, giving it access to an established portfolio of retail borrowers, affluent clients, and digital banking users.
Access Bank Tanzania also merged with African Banking Corporation (BancABC) Tanzania, combining the operations of the two institutions and increasing its scale in the consumer lending market.
Access Bank Tanzania Reports Strong Asset, Deposit and Loan Growth
According to the bank’s 2025 audited financial statements, total assets increased by 96.45%, while customer deposits grew by 105.26% during the year.
Net loans and advances rose to TZS 282.14 billion as the bank expanded its retail lending activities. Despite the pace of credit growth, Access Bank Tanzania maintained a non-performing loan ratio of 3.02%, remaining below the Bank of Tanzania’s regulatory threshold of 5%.
IFC-Backed Local Currency Funding Supports Consumer Lending
The bank also benefited from local currency funding arrangements facilitated through its parent company, Access Bank Plc, which entered into a $500 million framework agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
The arrangement enabled Access Bank Tanzania to access Tanzanian shilling-denominated financing, helping reduce foreign exchange risks for borrowers and allowing the bank to offer consumer and small business loans at more predictable pricing.
Access Wakala Agents and BancEasy Outlets Expand Retail Reach
To improve customer reach across the country, the bank expanded its distribution channels through a hybrid banking model.
The network includes 936 Access Wakala agents, enabling customers in remote and peri-urban locations to apply for loans, submit documentation and access banking services closer to where they live.
Access Bank Tanzania also operates 98 BancEasy satellite outlets, which support retail banking activities and facilitate faster processing of personal and salary-backed loans.
About the Global Banking & Finance Review Awards
The Global Banking & Finance Review Awards assess financial institutions based on criteria that include business performance, innovation, adoption of technology, contribution to financial inclusion, and regional economic impact.
Winners are selected through an evaluation process involving the publication’s research team and an independent panel of judges.
The 2026 award places Access Bank Tanzania among institutions recognised for rapid expansion in consumer finance and efforts to broaden access to credit within their respective markets.
Jefferson Wachira is a writer at Africa Digest News, specializing in banking and finance trends, and their impact on African economies.
