Established in 1996, CRDB Bank Plc has flourished over the years to earn the reputation of a leading banking innovator and a premier bank in Tanzania with a network of over 100 branches and 280 ATMs. CRDB is now looking to expand across East and Central Africa with their entry into the neighbouring market of Burundi. With only 6% of the 8 million population in Burundi being banked, CRDB is looking to tap into the growing trade between the two nations and is already experiencing positive customer responses.

Building on their successful relationship with CR2 in Tanzania, CRDB chose to deploy the CR2 BankWorld platform to their new operation in Burundi. This extension has been across several different modules to include BankWorld ATM's full product suite and BankWorld Card and POS services.

The delivery was achieved in a remarkable timeframe and the Bank and its customers are already enjoying the benefits of CR2's next-generation banking services. The bank is now expecting to expand their ATM and POS networks accordingly.

The Burundian President Mr. Pierre Nkurunziza has welcomed CRDB, saying the country required more banks to help it become economically self-sufficient.

CRDB's Managing Director - Dr. Charles Kimei revealed at a media conference "Our target is to grow the bank into a financial giant in East and Central Africa. The Bank had recently opened a branch in Burundi in an attempt to continue to foster a relationship with neighbouring Tanzania''.

Martin Dolan, CEO, CR2 commented "We are glad to extend our relationship with CRDB in Burundi. CR2's solutions have been in use at CRDB for many years providing innovative banking services such as agency banking or remittance using the ATM and POS network. CR2's self-service range of solutions will enable CRDB to simultaneously service both the banked and unbanked populations with a full range of services. This is the first country reference for CR2 in Burundi and we are already receiving positive feedback from CRDB customers".