Executive Summary

Tanzania's financial markets demonstrated exceptional strength and liquidity throughout December 2025, underpinned by robust macroeconomic fundamentals and effective monetary policy transmission. The government securities market remained highly active, with Treasury Bills experiencing declining yields to 5.87% and Treasury Bonds achieving remarkable oversubscription rates of 3.44x for the 20-year instrument.

The interbank cash market (IBCM) witnessed extraordinary growth, with turnover surging to TZS 3,481.9 billion—a 95.5% month-on-month increase and 115.3% year-on-year expansion. This market dynamism reflects strong investor confidence, ample banking sector liquidity, and the Bank of Tanzania's successful monetary policy framework anchored at a 5.75% Central Bank Rate (CBR).

GDP Growth (Q3 2025)
6.4%
Mainland Real GDP
Inflation Rate
3.6%
Within 3-5% Target
Private Sector Credit
+23.5%
Robust Expansion
Foreign Reserves
$6.3B
4.9 Months Cover

Tanzania Economic Development Context

Macroeconomic Foundations (2025)

Tanzania's economy maintained strong momentum into late 2025, driven by diversified sectoral growth and prudent macroeconomic management. The economic landscape was characterized by robust fundamentals that created an optimal environment for financial market development and investor confidence.

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Agriculture

Key growth driver with stable food supplies supporting low inflation

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Mining

Significant contributor to GDP expansion and export revenues

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Construction

Infrastructure development under FYDP III driving sector growth

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Financial Services

M3 money supply growth of 25.8% reflecting financial deepening

The external position improved substantially, with foreign exchange reserves reaching USD 6,329 million (equivalent to 4.9 months of import cover) and a narrower current account deficit. This external strength, combined with declining global fuel prices, contributed to stable inflation within the Bank of Tanzania's 3-5% target range.

These fundamentals fostered a liquid, confident financial system evident in active government securities markets and robust interbank cash market activity. Strong demand for Treasury instruments reflected investor trust in macroeconomic stability, low inflation, and accommodative monetary policy (CBR at 5.75%), enabling cost-effective domestic financing for development priorities like infrastructure under the Fifth Phase Development Plan (FYDP III).

1. Government Securities Market (December 2025)

The Government securities market remained active and liquid throughout December 2025, supported by ample liquidity in the banking system and strong investor confidence in public debt instruments. The market demonstrated exceptional resilience and depth, with both short-term Treasury Bills and long-term Treasury Bonds experiencing robust demand.

Treasury Bills Auction Performance

Treasury Bills auctions in December 2025 reflected favorable domestic borrowing conditions and declining investor risk perception. The weighted average yield decreased to 5.87% from 6.25% in the previous month, signaling improved macroeconomic confidence and reduced government financing costs.

IndicatorValueInterpretation
Tender SizeTZS 176.1 billionGovernment financing needs and liquidity management
Total Bids ReceivedTZS 341.2 billionStrong demand (oversubscription)
Amount AcceptedTZS 291.7 billionBoT accommodated excess liquidity
Bid-to-Cover Ratio1.94Indicates high investor appetite
Weighted Average Yield5.87%Declined from 6.25% in previous month
Yield TrendDownwardReflects excess liquidity and lower risk perception

Key Insight: Treasury Bills Market

The decline in Treasury Bills yields signals favorable domestic borrowing conditions, reduced cost of government financing, and confidence in macroeconomic stability. The oversubscription (bid-to-cover ratio of 1.94) demonstrates that demand exceeded supply by nearly double, indicating strong investor appetite for risk-free government assets. The Bank of Tanzania's decision to accept TZS 291.7 billion—significantly more than the tender size—reflects effective liquidity management and accommodation of excess banking sector liquidity.

Treasury Bills Auction Analysis (TZS Billions)
176.1
Tender Size
341.2
Total Bids
291.7
Amount Accepted
Treasury Bills Yield Trend
5.0% 5.5% 6.0% 6.5% 7.0% Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 5.87%

Treasury Bond Auction Performance (20-Year Bond)

The long-term Treasury Bond market demonstrated exceptional investor confidence in December 2025. The 20-year Treasury Bond auction attracted remarkable interest, with a bid-to-cover ratio of 3.44, indicating that total bids received were more than three times the tender size. This exceptional oversubscription reflects investors' preference for stable, long-dated government securities, particularly among institutional investors such as pension funds and commercial banks.

IndicatorValueInterpretation
Instrument20-Year Treasury BondLong-term financing
Tender SizeTZS 236.3 billionInfrastructure and long-term fiscal needs
Total Bids ReceivedTZS 813.5 billionVery strong demand
Amount AcceptedTZS 232.9 billionNear full allotment
Bid-to-Cover Ratio3.44Exceptional investor confidence
Weighted Average Yield12.02%Eased compared to previous auctions
Coupon Rate13.00%Attractive long-term return

Key Insight: Treasury Bonds Market

The exceptional oversubscription of long-term bonds (3.44x) reflects investors' preference for stable, long-dated government securities, particularly among pension funds and banks. This strong demand enables the government to secure cost-effective long-term financing for infrastructure and development projects under FYDP III at favorable rates. The weighted average yield of 12.02% represents an easing compared to previous auctions, indicating improved investor sentiment and reduced country risk perception. The near full allotment (TZS 232.9 billion accepted from TZS 236.3 billion tendered) demonstrates the government's ability to meet its financing needs efficiently.

Treasury Bonds Auction Performance (TZS Billions)
236.3
Tender Size
813.5
Total Bids
232.9
Amount Accepted
Bid-to-Cover Ratio Comparison
1.94x
Treasury Bills
3.44x
20-Year Bonds