My brother, Lawrence. Our paths were intertwined in so many meaningful ways. We began our banking career together at Standard Chartered, and then you become the managing director at NBC Bank, which I am now privileged to lead. Later on, you became the chairman of the Tanzania Bankers Association, another role I am currently serving. It feels like you were quietly paving the way, leaving a blueprint for me to follow.

The banking and finance community recognises your significant contributions to transforming the financial landscape of our country. As CEO of NBC Bank, chairman of the TBA, Treasury Registrar, and later Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, you have played a crucial role in developing a resilient and competitive sector that is now thriving. Your name, Lawrence, will be remembered for generations to come.

I hold very dearly every conversation and every moment we shared together as colleagues and friends. When you took on the critical role of Executive Secretary of the Planning Commission, we were all happy as we banked on your expertise of private and public leadership in crafting and executing a national development plan to provide direction of our economy. Such was a level of trust and confidence that everyone had in you.