CRDB Bank, which happens to be Tanzania’s largest lender by assets, has completed a significant system upgrade. The CRDB Bank Temenos migration replaced Fusion Banking Essence with Temenos T24.
The change, finalised in early September 2025, strengthens CRDB’s operations. According to Chief Executive Abdulmajid Nsekela, the migration is crucial for growth. Additionally, CRDB already operates in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is also preparing to enter Dubai, serving diaspora and cross-border clients.
In Case You Missed It:
Nigeria Tax Technology to Drive ₦17.85 Trillion Revenue
Galaxy Backbone Secures ISO Recertification, Boosting Confidence in Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure
“You cannot expand globally without a robust system,” Nsekela explained. “Efficiency and security are essential for multi-country services.”
Why the migration matters
Temenos T24 is a Swiss-built, end-to-end banking platform. Moving forward, it powers leading African lenders, including Kenya’s KCB and Stanbic Bank. Specifically, these banks rely on Temenos to support operations in multiple countries.
Furthermore, the CRDB Bank Temenos migration has made the bank join a strong regional network. Interestingly, the system supports transactions in multiple languages and currencies. In Tanzania, it runs in Swahili and English. In other markets, it handles French, Kirundi, and Arabic.
The Risks of Core Migrations
Unlike app updates, core migrations move millions of customer records. It is noteworthy that even minor errors can damage trust and disrupt services. CRDB’s 72-hour switch faced some glitches, including balance discrepancies. The bank blamed the issues on large-scale data transfers.
Despite these hitches, services quickly stabilised after migration was completed. Subsequently, CRDB assured customers that their funds and data were secure.
Regional Context of CRDB Bank Temenos Migration
Moving forward, the CRDB Bank Temenos migration reflects a broader East African trend. Lenders are upgrading systems to meet rising competition and customer needs.
Additionally, banks like KCB, Equity, DTB, and NCBA already run on Temenos or similar platforms. Implicitly, these upgrades allow faster product launches and cross-border integration. Regulators are also urging system upgrades. The Bank of Tanzania is pushing reforms to modernise the sector.
Strategic Ambitions of CRDB Bank Temenos Migration
For CRDB, the migration is on the same level as its 30th anniversary. The bank intends to compete for corporate clients and cross-border business. It also plans to leverage its upcoming Dubai expansion to target diaspora remittances and Gulf trade finance.
The joining of Temenos-powered peers by CRDB strengthens its competitive position. It is betting that stronger systems will secure growth across Africa and beyond.
