First National Bank opened its first operational branch in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on Wednesday.

"FNB will initially focus on establishing its footprint in Dar es Salaam with the intention of expanding its representation to all regions of Tanzania," the bank said in a statement.

It was granted a licence to operate in March and would shortly open two more branches in the country's commercial capital, Dar es Salaam.

"Having a physical presence here enables us to tap into one of the most attractive markets in East Africa with excellent economic growth and banking sector performance," said Richard Hudson, CE of FNB Tanzania.

"The roll-out of branches, products and services will be on a phased approach and will be tailored to the needs of the citizens of Tanzania."

FNB already operates in Mozambique, Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, Namibia and Zambia. It is considering expanding into countries like Uganda, Kenya, Angola, Ghana and Nigeria.