Tanzania's recent capital market reforms have opened up new financing options for public institutions seeking long-term funding for development projects. According to Stanbic Bank Tanzania, the reforms have created a stronger environment for investment and long-term capital. The bank made these remarks at the fourth Chairpersons and CEOs Forum in Arusha, which brought together over 700 board chairpersons and chief executives of public institutions. The forum's theme is "High performing state-owned enterprises for a competitive, inclusive and resilient economy, advancing Dira 2050."
The reforms, which include the opening of Treasury bills and bonds to foreign investors, are expected to widen the pool of long-term financing available to public institutions. The Bank of Tanzania announced on August 6, 2026, that foreign investors could invest in Treasury bills and bonds through approved Central Depository Participants. The following day, BoT Governor Emmanuel Tutuba launched the Sovereign Yield Curve, providing daily pricing for government securities with maturities of up to 25 years. This move is expected to provide issuers with a benchmark for pricing long-term bonds.
The Government has also signaled plans for public institutions to list on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE), allowing Tanzanians to acquire shares in institutions providing public services. Stanbic Bank Tanzania's Head of Client Coverage, Corporate and Investment Banking, Elias Ngunangwa, said the reforms were creating a stronger environment for investment and long-term capital. He emphasized that public institutions are central to Tanzania's journey to become an upper middle-income country with a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2050.
The reforms come as Government investment in public institutions increased from about Sh67.7 trillion in 2020/21 to Sh92.3 trillion in 2024/25. Over the same period, reforms led by the Office of the Treasury Registrar have strengthened accountability, efficiency, and returns on public investment, according to Stanbic. The bank has deployed more than $1 billion in development finance in Tanzania over the past five years, supporting infrastructure, energy, and trade.
Ngunangwa said investors are increasingly looking for good governance, clear reporting, and well-prepared projects, areas being strengthened across the public sector. He emphasized that Stanbic's role is to help institutions turn these strengths into financing, shaping projects, structuring funding, and connecting institutions with investors at home, across the region, and around the world.
The forum, sponsored by Stanbic Bank, aims to bring together stakeholders to discuss ways to strengthen public institutions and advance Tanzania's economic development. The event runs until Wednesday, September 30, and provides a platform for discussion and knowledge sharing among stakeholders. Stanbic Bank is among the sponsors of the forum, which has attracted over 700 participants.
The capital market reforms are expected to have a positive impact on Tanzania's economy, enabling public institutions to access long-term financing for development projects. With the Sovereign Yield Curve and the liberalization of the capital account, the government is creating a conducive environment for investment and growth. As the country strives to achieve its Dira 2050 ambitions, the role of public institutions and access to financing will be crucial.
Key points
- The recent capital market reforms in Tanzania have created new financing options for public institutions.
- The reforms are expected to widen the pool of long-term financing available to public institutions.
- The Government has signaled plans for public institutions to list on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE).
