The Bank of Tanzania's financial position for November 2024 reflects a delicate balance between supporting fiscal needs and maintaining economic stability. Key changes include a 2.5% decline in total assets to TZS 25.39 trillion, driven by reduced cash reserves, alongside increased advances to the government by TZS 470 billion. These movements highlight fiscal pressures, external obligation management, and the central bank's critical role in stabilizing the economy amidst tightening financial conditions.

Bank of Tanzania's Statement of Financial Position as of November 30, 2024, with figures and key changes compared to October 2024:

1. Total Assets

• November 2024: TZS 25,388,447,414
• October 2024: TZS 26,040,992,974
• Change: Decreased by TZS 652,545,560 (approximately 2.5%).

This decline reflects changes in various asset components, most notably the sharp drop in cash and cash equivalents, offset partially by an increase in advances to the government.

2. Major Asset Components

a. Foreign Currency Marketable Securities

• Value: TZS 8,136,841,550
• Observation: This remains the largest asset on the Bank’s balance sheet, indicating the institution's significant reliance on foreign investments.

b. Cash and Cash Equivalents

• November 2024: TZS 4,879,028,404
• October 2024: TZS 6,028,657,113
• Change: Decreased by TZS 1,149,628,709 (~19.1%).

This sharp decline could signal increased liquidity outflows, possibly to meet operational obligations or support the financial system.

c. Advances to Government

• November 2024: TZS 5,394,166,906
• October 2024: TZS 4,924,120,304
• Change: Increased by TZS 470,046,602 (~9.5%).

The rise indicates higher support for government financing needs, which may align with fiscal demands or debt management objectives.

3. Total Liabilities

• November 2024: TZS 22,685,046,183
• October 2024: TZS 23,185,162,980
• Change: Decreased by TZS 500,116,797 (approximately 2.2%).

This reflects reductions in foreign currency financial liabilities, indicating a likely repayment or adjustment of external obligations.

4. Major Liability Components

a. Currency in Circulation

• November 2024: TZS 8,625,807,089
• October 2024: TZS 8,589,148,419
• Change: Increased by TZS 36,658,670 (~0.4%).

This small increase is consistent with seasonal factors or economic growth-related cash demand.

b. Foreign Currency Financial Liabilities

• November 2024: TZS 4,933,972,124
• October 2024: TZS 5,410,348,462
• Change: Decreased by TZS 476,376,338 (~8.8%).

This reduction suggests repayments or reduced foreign currency obligations, contributing to the overall liability decline.

c. Bank and Non-Bank Financial Institution Deposits

• Value: TZS 3,231,602,090
• Observation: These deposits remain a significant liability, reflecting funds entrusted by financial institutions to the Bank of Tanzania.

5. Equity Position

• Total Equity: TZS 2,703,401,231
• October 2024: TZS 2,855,829,994
• Change: Decreased by TZS 152,428,763 (~5.3%).

Breakdown:

• Paid-Up Capital: Unchanged at TZS 100,000,000.
• Reserves: Decreased from TZS 2,755,829,994 to TZS 2,603,401,231, reflecting lower retained earnings or adjustments to reserve accounts.

6. Notable Changes and Observations

1. Cash and Cash Equivalents:
   The TZS 1.15 trillion drop signals significant liquidity pressures or policy interventions.
2. Advances to Government:
   The TZS 470 billion rise indicates greater reliance on central bank funding for fiscal operations.
3. Currency in Circulation:
   A slight increase of TZS 36.7 billion aligns with consistent cash demand.
4. Foreign Currency Financial Liabilities:
   A reduction of TZS 476 billion highlights improved external balance management.

The November 2024 statement reveals efforts to balance liquidity support to the economy and reduce external obligations. While the decline in total assets and equity signals tightening financial conditions, the increase in advances to the government underscores the central bank's role in supporting fiscal policy.

The Bank of Tanzania's Statement of Financial Position for November 2024 with key insights about the central bank's financial health, economic priorities, and operational trends.

1. Liquidity Pressures and Operational Adjustments

• Sharp decline in Cash and Cash Equivalents (down TZS 1.15 trillion):
  This indicates liquidity outflows, possibly due to:
  • Interventions in the financial markets to stabilize the Tanzanian shilling.
  • Support to commercial banks or other financial institutions.
  • Seasonal outflows, such as government spending obligations (e.g., salary payments or infrastructure financing).

2. Increased Government Financing

• Advances to Government up by TZS 470 billion (9.5%):
  This suggests the government relied more heavily on the central bank for funding in November. Potential reasons include:
  • Budgetary shortfalls requiring deficit financing.
  • Delays in revenue collection or international financing.
  • Efforts to finance ongoing development projects or meet fiscal priorities.

3. Stable Domestic Economic Activity

• Currency in Circulation slightly increased (up TZS 36.7 billion):
  This minor growth suggests stable domestic demand for cash, possibly reflecting:
  • Economic activity proceeding without major shocks.
  • Seasonal increases in cash needs (e.g., for holiday spending).

4. Improved Management of External Obligations

• Foreign Currency Financial Liabilities decreased by TZS 476 billion (8.8%):
  This points to:
  • Successful repayment or refinancing of foreign liabilities.
  • A reduction in dependence on external financing, possibly due to improved forex inflows or lower external debt servicing.

5. Decline in Equity Reflects Tight Financial Conditions

• Equity reduced by 5.3% (TZS 152.4 billion):
  These decreases, primarily due to lower reserves, could mean:
  • Lower profits or unrealized losses from foreign currency marketable securities (e.g., due to forex volatility or interest rate changes).
  • The central bank might be absorbing shocks to stabilize the economy, at the cost of its reserve position.

6. Overall Economic Implications

1. Fiscal Dependence:
   The government’s increased reliance on central bank funding highlights fiscal pressures. This could signal challenges in meeting revenue targets or higher expenditure demands.
2. Monetary Tightening Signals:
   The reduction in liabilities and cash reserves indicates the central bank might be tightening liquidity to control inflation or stabilize the currency.
3. Economic Stability:
   Stable currency in circulation and reduced foreign liabilities suggest the central bank is managing to maintain economic stability despite challenges.

Key Concerns

• Shrinking Assets:
  A 2.5% decline in total assets reflects constrained central bank resources, which may limit its ability to respond to future shocks.
• Reliance on Domestic Borrowing:
  Increased advances to the government could crowd out private sector borrowing and hinder growth if sustained.

Conclusion

The statement shows a central bank balancing multiple priorities: supporting government financing, managing external liabilities, and maintaining domestic liquidity. However, shrinking reserves and declining assets may signal the need for tighter fiscal discipline and a cautious approach to monetary policy.