Mang’ula, Morogoro, 27 October 2026.

Equity Bank Tanzania, in partnership with Reforest Africa, a non-governmental organization engaged in forest restoration and environmental conservation, implemented a joint program aimed at restoring the environment, conserving forests, and economically empowering communities through tree planting and financial Literacy in Mang’ula, Kilombero, Morogoro Region.

The program combined environmental conservation efforts with community empowerment, reflecting Equity Bank’s commitment to contributing to sustainable development and expanding economic opportunities for communities. The partnership also supported Reforest Africa’s efforts to restore degraded forests, protect wildlife habitats, and engage communities in the stewardship of natural resources, particularly in the Kilombero and Udzungwa areas. Activities began with a tree-planting exercise in Magombera Forest. In the first phase, 1,000 native tree seedlings were planted toward the overall goal of 6,500 trees. The exercise aimed to contribute to the restoration of natural habitats and protect the elephant corridor through the planting of species suitable for the respective environment. The planting of the remaining seedlings was planned to continue until the end of the year, depending on weather conditions and conditions suitable for tree growth.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Jasto Msimiyungu, Division Secretary of Mang’ula and Guest of Honor, emphasized the importance of cooperation among financial institutions, environmental conservation organizations, leaders, and citizens in protecting natural resources and promoting sustainable community development. “Environmental conservation is a shared responsibility that requires the participation of each one of us. We should protect our forests and wildlife habitats for the benefit of our communities and future generations. I commend Equity Bank Tanzania and Reforest Africa for combining tree-planting efforts with financial education, because community development requires a sustainable environment as well as citizens with the knowledge and ability to bring about their own development,” said Mr. Msimiyungu.

For her part, Ms. Hellen Dalali, Head of Sustainability at Equity Bank Tanzania, said the partnership demonstrates the Bank’s commitment to developing programs that contribute to environmental conservation while strengthening the economic well-being of communities. “We believe that sustainable development requires communities with economic capacity and a safe environment that will ensure the well-being of current and future generations. Through our partnership with Reforest Africa, we contribute to forest restoration and environmental conservation, while providing financial education that enables women and youth to make sound financial decisions, grow their economic activities, and benefit from opportunities available through formal financial services,” said Ms. Dalali. She added that Equity Bank continues to invest in sustainability programs that link environmental conservation, community empowerment, and access to inclusive financial services, recognizing that a safe environment and a strong economy are important pillars of sustainable development.

After the tree-planting exercise, Equity Bank, under its Mwanamke Plus window, provided financial education training at Mang’ula a Primary School. The training targeted women and youth and covered issues including saving, budgeting, personal and business financial management, business growth, and understanding formal financial services. The training aimed to build participants’ capacity to manage their financial resources and use financial services to develop their economic activities. The training reached more than 150 participants, including women, youth, and other community members. Through its partnership with Reforest Africa, Equity Bank Tanzania continues to support sustainable development efforts by promoting environmental stewardship, access to inclusive financial services, and community empowerment to build a better future for current and future generations.

Equity Bank continues to empower women entrepreneurs and youth by addressing their banking needs and ensuring their full participation in economic growth. The Bank understands the financial challenges that women face and has therefore created unique solutions under the Women Plus window, including 100% financing for all types of business and home without the need for an initial 30% contribution, a loan guarantee of up to 70% to facilitate access to loans for women’s businesses, free financial education and entrepreneurship training for groups or women and youth events, and affordable loans to purchase sewing machines and sewing equipment under Sewing Plus Together. For customers and stakeholders who wish to learn more about the Bank’s services and other financial solutions from Equity Bank Tanzania, they are invited to visit their nearest Equity branch or contact 0768985500.