#Msigwa, Amb. Chen lead opening ceremony in Dar
By Prosper Makene
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – Saturday, August 1, 2026: Stanbic Bank Tanzania_ has reaffirmed its commitment to community engagement and bilateral trade with a TZS 30 million sponsorship of the 13th Annual Chinese Enterprise Association (Tanzania)'s Basketball Tournament, which officially kicked off on Saturday at Don Bosco Grounds, Oysterbay.
The sponsorship was announced as Gerson Msigwa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports who is also government spokesperson, officially declared the tournament open in the presence of _Her Excellency Chen Mingjian, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Tanzania, senior government officials, and representatives of major Chinese-funded companies operating in Tanzania.
The tournament, organized by the Chinese Enterprise Association (Tanzania), brings together Chinese enterprises in the country and will run from August 1 to August 8, 2026. Beyond its role as sponsor, Stanbic Bank Tanzania also fielded its own team in the competition.
Speaking at the event, Ester Manase, Head of Corporate & Investment Banking at Stanbic Bank Tanzania, said the sponsorship reflects the Bank’s commitment to meaningful engagement that extends well beyond banking. “Over the years, this tournament has been one of our most valued platforms for engaging the Chinese community in Tanzania because strong partnerships are built through shared experiences, not transactions alone,” she said.
“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 added.
Msigwa said sports remain one of the most powerful tools for building friendship and mutual understanding between nations. “China and Tanzania enjoy a long-standing comprehensive strategic partnership. Our cooperation covers infrastructure, trade, tourism, education, sports, and culture. 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.
He further noted that the tournament proves the commitment of Chinese enterprises not only to business success, but also to building stronger communities. “On behalf of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, I express my deep appreciation for the remarkable contribution made by the Government of the People’s Republic of China to the development of sports in Tanzania. With these few words, I now have the great honor to officially declare the 13th Annual China Enterprises Basketball Tournament open.”
On her part, H.E. Ambassador Chen Mingjian_ commended Stanbic Bank’s sustained support. “The relationship between China and Tanzania is deep-rooted, and it grows stronger through moments like these, where sport unites us in a spirit of goodwill and mutual respect. I commend Stanbic Bank for its consistent support of this tournament over the years,” said Ambassador Chen.
Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Mr. Jiang Yuntao, Chairman of Chinese Enterprise Association (Tanzania), expressed gratitude to the Government and the Embassy. “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 and strengthen the traditional friendship between China and Tanzania,” Mr. Jiang said.
According to organisers, matches will be played on 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. Games will be played under FIBA rules with 4 quarters of 10 minutes each.
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