STANBIC BANK BACKS 13TH CHINA ENTERPRISES BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT WITH TZS 30 MILLION

  

By Staff Writer

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – Saturday, August 1, 2026: Stanbic Bank Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to the Chinese business community in Tanzania with a TZS 30 million sponsorship for the 13th Annual China Enterprises Basketball Tournament, which officially opened on Saturday at Don Bosco Grounds, Oysterbay.

The Bank is also participating in the tournament with its own team, marking another year of active engagement beyond financial support.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ester Manase, Head of Corporate & Investment Banking at Stanbic Bank Tanzania, said the tournament provides a unique platform for building relationships. "Over the years, this tournament has been one of our most valued platforms for engaging the Chinese community in Tanzania. Our TZS 30 million sponsorship is about more than funding a competition. By taking part as both sponsor and competitor, we are demonstrating that our engagement is genuine and enduring," she said.

The tournament was officially declared open by Gerson Msigwa, Government Spokesperson and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports. The event was also attended by Her Excellency Chen Mingjian, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Tanzania, and Mr. Jiang Yuntao, Chairman of Chinese Enterprise Association (Tanzania).

Hon. Msigwa commended Stanbic Bank and other partners for supporting sports development. "China and Tanzania enjoy a long-standing comprehensive strategic partnership. Events like this today are among the strongest bonds of friendship and cooperation between the people of Tanzania and our friends from China," he said.

H.E. Ambassador Chen Mingjian thanked Stanbic Bank for its consistent support over the years. "The relationship between China and Tanzania grows stronger through moments like these, where sport unites us in a spirit of goodwill and mutual respect. I commend Stanbic Bank for its continued partnership," she said.

Mr. Jiang Yuntao expressed gratitude to the Government, the Embassy and sponsors for making the tournament possible for the 13th consecutive year. "This basketball tournament has become an important platform for unity, cooperation, and team spirit among Chinese enterprises in Tanzania. It is also an opportunity for us to integrate with the local community," Mr. Jiang said.

The tournament will run from August 1 to August 8, 2026. Matches are scheduled for Saturday August 1, Sunday August 2, Tuesday August 4, Thursday August 6, Friday August 7, and Saturday August 8 at Don Bosco Court. The finals and closing ceremony will be held on Saturday, August 8. Each team may register up to 16 players and games will be played under FIBA rules.