Tully Esther Mwambapa
Director of Corporate Affairs and Public Relations
Tully Esther Mwambapa is a pioneering force in women’s empowerment and financial inclusion through her role as the founder of the CRDB Bank Foundation, as well as the foundation flagship program called IMBEJU program at CRDB Bank Foundation. Under her dynamic leadership, Tully has transformed the landscape of gender equity and staff development, creating a workplace where innovation and inclusivity are paramount. nearly two decades of active service in the banking industry in Tanzania, with half of that time spent in senior management roles. Currently serving as the Director of Corporate Affairs and Managing Director of the CRDB Bank Foundation—a subsidiary of CRDB Bank Plc—Tully has been instrumental in shaping the foundation's strategic direction and impact.
Her extensive experience includes a notable tenure as Director of Marketing, Research, and Customer Service, where she spearheaded innovative initiatives in product development, customer experience, and brand positioning. A key highlight of her career is the conceptualization and introduction of the IMBEJU program, a flagship initiative of the CRDB Bank Foundation. Launched in March 2023, IMBEJU was designed to address financial inclusion and digital transformation in Tanzania by empowering women and youth through a comprehensive suite of services. The program offers digital literacy training, financial education, and access to seed capital, aiming to bridge the gap between marginalized communities and the financial sector.
Tully’s commitment to digital transformation is evident in her leadership of groundbreaking projects that leverage technology to enhance financial services. The IMBEJU program is a testament to her vision, incorporating innovative elements such as digital technology acces and financial literacy initiatives. This program not only supports economic empowerment but also fosters digital inclusion, allowing beneficiaries to engage with modern financial tools and platforms.
Her visionary approach also led to the introduction of several transformative initiatives, including the CRDB Bank Premier Club, the Branch on Wheels, SMS Banking (which evolved into the mobile banking service SimBanking), and cross-border business ventures in Burundi and Congo. Her efforts in agency banking, branch expansion, and the establishment of a bank-owned customer call centre further underscore her commitment to enhancing digital and financial services accessibility.
Under her leadership, CRDB Bank Foundation thrives with a unique management style that promotes a flat organizational structure, encouraging open communication and teamwork. Tully’s belief in testing new ideas and fostering innovation has created an environment where creativity flourishes and every team member's contributions are valued.
Tully Ester Mwambapa's career is marked by her dedication to digital transformation, financial inclusion, gender equality, and community empowerment. Her innovative leadership and unwavering commitment to economic empowerment through digital solutions continue to drive the CRDB Bank Foundation’s mission, making a profound impact on Tanzania's financial landscape and supporting vulnerable communities in achieving greater economic stability and growth.
