Executive Summary

In 2025, the Bank of Tanzania successfully implemented an accommodative monetary policy under its new interest rate-based framework (adopted January 2024). The policy achieved its dual mandate of maintaining price stability while supporting economic growth, delivering exceptional results across all major macroeconomic indicators.

Policy Framework Transition Success

The Bank of Tanzania completed its transition from reserve money targeting to an interest rate-based monetary policy framework in January 2024. This marked a significant evolution in Tanzania's monetary policy architecture, enabling more precise and responsive policy implementation.

Key Achievements in 2025

  • Price Stability Excellence: Headline inflation averaged 3.5%, consistently within the 3-5% target band throughout the year
  • Economic Growth Leadership: GDP expanded by 6.0%, the highest among major East African Community economies
  • Accommodative Stance: Central Bank Rate reduced from 6.0% to 5.5%, supporting credit expansion of 20.3-23.5%
  • Regional Superiority: Tanzania demonstrated the best monetary policy outcomes in East Africa across multiple metrics
  • External Stability: Foreign reserves maintained comfortably above IMF adequacy thresholds
3.5%
Average Headline Inflation
↓ Within 3-5% Target
2.3%
Core Inflation
↓ Subdued Demand Pressures
6.6%
Food Inflation
✓ Well Managed
6.0%
GDP Growth
↑ Robust Expansion

1. Monetary Policy Decisions & Framework

Central Bank Rate (CBR) Trajectory

The Bank of Tanzania pursued a strategically accommodative monetary policy throughout 2025, progressively reducing the Central Bank Rate to stimulate economic activity while maintaining vigilance over price stability. This calibrated approach reflected the central bank's confidence in the inflation outlook and its commitment to supporting Tanzania's economic growth trajectory.

PeriodCentral Bank RateChangeRationale
January 20256.0%-Starting position from 2024
Q1 20255.75%-25 bpsInflation within target, supportive growth
Q2 20255.75%UnchangedAssessment of previous cut impact
Q3 20255.5%-25 bpsSustained inflation stability, boost growth
Q4 20255.5%UnchangedMaintaining accommodative stance

Central Bank Rate Evolution (2025)

Comprehensive Policy Tools Deployed

The Bank of Tanzania employed a multi-faceted approach to monetary policy implementation, utilizing various instruments to achieve its objectives:

Monetary Policy Toolkit

  • Open Market Operations (OMOs): Active liquidity management through repo and reverse repo operations to maintain optimal money market conditions
  • Reserve Requirements Adjustments: Strategic calibration of statutory reserve ratios to influence banking sector liquidity and credit creation
  • Foreign Exchange Interventions: Targeted FX operations to stabilize the Tanzanian Shilling and smooth excessive volatility
  • Forward Guidance: Clear communication of policy intentions to anchor market expectations and enhance policy effectiveness
  • Discount Window Facilities: Provision of standing facilities for banks to manage short-term liquidity needs
-50 bps
Total CBR Reduction (2025)
↓ From 6.0% to 5.5%
2
Rate Cuts in 2025
✓ Gradual Approach
Stable
FX Reserves Position
↑ Above IMF Threshold
Effective
Policy Transmission
✓ Supporting Growth

2. Inflation Performance: Exemplary Control

Monthly and Quarterly Inflation Trends

Tanzania's inflation performance in 2025 stands as a testament to the Bank of Tanzania's effective monetary policy management. Throughout the year, headline inflation remained firmly anchored within the central bank's target band of 3-5%, demonstrating exceptional price stability that outperformed regional peers and supported macroeconomic stability.

Inflation Trends - Headline vs Core vs Food (2025)

QuarterHeadline InflationCore InflationFood InflationStatus
Q1 20253.2%2.1%5.8%✓ Within Target
Q2 20253.4%2.3%6.2%✓ Within Target
Q3 20253.7%2.5%7.1%✓ Within Target
Q4 20253.6%2.3%7.3%✓ Within Target
2025 Average3.5%2.3%6.6%✓ Target Achieved

Key Achievements in Inflation Management

3.5%
Headline Inflation (Avg)
✓ Mid-point of 3-5% Target
2.3%
Core Inflation
↓ Subdued at 2.1-2.5%
6.6%
Food Inflation
✓ Well Managed Despite Weather
#1
Best in East Africa
↑ Regional Leadership

Inflation Control Highlights

  • Consistent Target Achievement: Headline inflation remained within the 3-5% target band throughout all four quarters of 2025
  • Core Inflation Stability: Core inflation subdued at 2.1-2.5%, reflecting effective demand management and absence of significant demand-pull pressures
  • Food Inflation Management: Despite averaging 6.6% and being influenced by seasonal weather patterns, food inflation was well-contained through coordinated policy measures
  • Regional Leadership: Tanzania achieved the best inflation performance in East Africa, outperforming Kenya (4.1%), Uganda (3.6%), and other EAC members
  • Inflation Expectations: Well-anchored inflation expectations supported the central bank's credibility and policy effectiveness

East African Community Inflation Comparison

2025 Average Inflation Rates - EAC Countries

Country2025 Average InflationPolicy RatePerformance Assessment
Tanzania3.5%5.5%🏆 Best Performance
Uganda3.6%9.75%Good
Kenya4.1%11.25%Moderate
Rwanda4.5%7.5%Moderate
Burundi8.2%12.0%Challenging

Tanzania's Inflation Success Factors

Tanzania's exemplary inflation performance in 2025 was driven by several key factors:

  • Effective Monetary Policy Framework: The successful implementation of the interest rate-based framework enhanced policy precision and responsiveness
  • Prudent Fiscal Coordination: Strong fiscal discipline and coordination between monetary and fiscal authorities prevented inflation pressures
  • Supply-Side Management: Government initiatives to improve agricultural productivity and reduce supply bottlenecks helped contain food inflation
  • Exchange Rate Stability: Effective FX management prevented imported inflation while maintaining external competitiveness
  • Credible Central Bank: The Bank of Tanzania's consistent track record enhanced policy credibility and anchored inflation expectations

3. GDP Growth: Robust & Broad-Based Expansion

Quarterly Economic Performance

Tanzania's economy demonstrated remarkable resilience and dynamism in 2025, achieving a robust GDP growth rate of 6.0%. This strong economic expansion was broad-based across multiple sectors, reflecting the effectiveness of the Bank of Tanzania's accommodative monetary policy in creating favorable conditions for investment, production, and consumption.

Quarterly GDP Growth Rate (2025)

QuarterGDP Growth (YoY)Key DriversTrend
Q1 20255.8%Agriculture, Mining↑ Strong Start
Q2 20256.0%Manufacturing, Construction↑ Accelerating
Q3 20256.2%Tourism, Services↑ Peak Growth
Q4 20256.0%Broad-based expansion→ Sustained
2025 Full Year6.0%All major sectors✓ Target Exceeded

Sectoral Contributions to Growth

Sectoral Growth Rates (2025)

+30.0%
Mining Sector
↑ Gold exports USD 4.7B
+29.8%
Agriculture
↑ Cashew +15%, Tobacco +12%
+24.5%
Manufacturing
↑ Industrial expansion
+22.1%
Construction
↑ Infrastructure boom
SectorGrowth RateKey Performance IndicatorsGDP Contribution
Mining+30.0% • Gold exports: USD 4.7B (+37.4% YoY)
• Increased production from major mines
• New exploration activities
High impact
Agriculture+29.8% • Cashew production: +15%
• Tobacco production: +12%
• Improved farming techniques
Significant
Manufacturing+24.5% • Industrial capacity expansion
• Export-oriented manufacturing
• Value-added processing
Growing
Construction+22.1% • Infrastructure mega-projects
• Real estate development
• Public works expansion
Substantial
TourismStrong Recovery • 2.29 million arrivals
• Significant forex generation
• Wildlife tourism boom
Important
Services+8.5% • Financial services expansion
• Telecommunications growth
• Digital economy
Moderate

GDP Growth Success Factors

  • Mining Sector Boom: Gold exports reached USD 4.7 billion, up 37.4% year-over-year, driven by increased production and favorable international prices
  • Agricultural Resilience: Strong performance in key cash crops, with cashew production up 15% and tobacco up 12%, supported by improved farming techniques and favorable weather
  • Infrastructure Investment: Construction sector grew by 22.1%, fueled by major infrastructure projects including roads, railways, and port developments
  • Manufacturing Expansion: Industrial sector growth of 24.5% reflected increased capacity utilization and export-oriented production
  • Tourism Recovery: Strong rebound with 2.29 million tourist arrivals, generating substantial foreign exchange earnings
  • Monetary Policy Support: The accommodative stance with CBR at 5.5% facilitated credit expansion and investment financing

Regional GDP Comparison: Tanzania's Leadership

Tanzania's 6.0% GDP growth in 2025 positioned it as the growth leader among major East African economies:

2025 GDP Growth - East African Comparison

Country2025 GDP GrowthKey Growth DriversRanking
Tanzania6.0%Mining, Agriculture, Construction🏆 1st
Rwanda5.8%Services, ICT2nd
Kenya5.5%Services, Agriculture3rd
Uganda5.3%Services, Manufacturing4th
Burundi3.2%Agriculture5th