Tanzania National Debt Overview March 2026 | TICGL Economic Research
📈 TICGL Economic Research — March 2026
Tanzania National Debt Overview: Structure, Trends & Sustainability
A comprehensive analysis of Tanzania's public debt profile as of January 2026 — covering external obligations, domestic securities, creditor categories, and economic implications, based on Bank of Tanzania data.
📅 Published: March 2026📄 Source: Bank of Tanzania (BoT)📋 TICGL Research Division
Total National Debt
USD 51.1B
TZS 132.8 Trillion
External Debt (DOD)
USD 35.8B
70% of total debt
Domestic Debt
TZS 38.6T
30% of total debt
Debt / GDP Ratio
~43%
Below 55% threshold
Section 1
What Is Tanzania's National Debt?
National debt refers to the total amount of money the government owes to domestic and foreign creditors. It is a critical instrument for financing national development — particularly large-scale infrastructure, social services, and economic transformation initiatives. Tanzania's debt portfolio is managed and reported by the Bank of Tanzania (BoT).
Tanzania's national debt consists of two main components: External debt — borrowed from foreign lenders including multilateral institutions, bilateral partners, and commercial creditors — and Domestic debt — borrowed within Tanzania from local banks, pension funds, and investors through government securities.
USD 51,079.8M
≈ TZS 132.8 Trillion
+0.1%
From December 2025
~TZS 2,600
Per 1 USD
~40.7%
Threshold: 55%
📋 Tanzania External Debt Overview — January 2026
Indicator
Amount (USD Million)
Approx. TZS Trillion
Status
Total External Debt Committed
40,781.1
106.0
Committed
Disbursed Outstanding Debt (DOD)
35,750.7
93.0
Active / In Use
Undisbursed Debt
5,554.4
14.4
Pipeline
Total National Debt
51,079.8
132.8
Combined
🔎 Key Interpretation
Disbursed debt represents loans already received and actively deployed by the government. Undisbursed debt refers to loans that have been committed by lenders but not yet released — these are funds in the pipeline for future projects. January 2026 saw new disbursements of USD 122.9 million, primarily to the government, with service payments of USD 98.5 million.
Source: Bank of Tanzania Monthly Economic Review, January 2026. Exchange rate: ~TZS 2,600 per USD.
Tanzania National Debt Composition — January 2026
Distribution of external vs. domestic debt (% share of total)
External Debt: 70%
USD 35,750.7M (DOD) — owed to multilateral, bilateral, and commercial creditors abroad.
Domestic Debt: 30%
~USD 15,329.4M (TZS 38.6T) — held by commercial banks, pension funds, and other local investors.
Source: Bank of Tanzania, January 2026 Report.
Section 2
External Debt Stock by Creditor Category
Tanzania's external debt is owed to a range of creditors: multilateral development institutions, bilateral government partners, international commercial lenders, and export credit agencies. This creditor mix shapes the cost, risk, and repayment structure of the country's debt.
🌎 External Debt by Creditor — January 2026 (DOD)
Creditor Category
USD Million
Share (%)
Approx. TZS Trillion
Risk Profile
Multilateral Institutions World Bank, AfDB, IMF
20,803.5
58.2%
54.1
Low
Commercial Creditors Private / Market Lenders
12,702.7
35.5%
33.0
Medium–High
Bilateral Creditors Government-to-Government
1,526.9
4.3%
4.0
Medium
Export Credit Agencies
717.6
2.0%
1.9
Low–Medium
Total External DOD
35,750.7
100%
93.0
—
Source: Bank of Tanzania, January 2026 External Debt Report.
Creditor Breakdown — External Debt (USD Million)
Bar chart showing absolute debt held by each creditor category
📈 Share of External Debt by Creditor Type
🌟 Why Multilateral Dominance Matters
Multilateral loans (58.2% of external debt) from the World Bank, African Development Bank, and IMF typically carry longer repayment periods and lower interest rates than commercial borrowing. This structure provides Tanzania with a more stable debt foundation compared to markets that rely heavily on commercial creditors. However, the 35.5% commercial share is a factor requiring active monitoring.
Use of External Debt Funds
The disbursed external debt funds various sectors of Tanzania's economy:
External Debt Allocation by Sector (% of DOD)
Key sectors financed by Tanzania's external borrowing
Sector
Share of DOD (%)
Key Projects
Balance of Payments / Budget Support
22.7%
General budget financing
Transport & Telecommunications
21.8%
SGR, Roads, Airports, Port Expansion
Social Sectors / Education
19.4%
Schools, Health, Water
Energy & Mining
11.9%
Hydropower, Julius Nyerere Dam
Other Sectors
24.2%
Agriculture, Industry, Finance
Total
100%
—
Source: Bank of Tanzania sector allocation data, January 2026.
Section 3
Domestic Debt Overview
Domestic debt refers to government borrowing from local financial institutions and investors within Tanzania. The government raises domestic debt primarily through Treasury Bills (T-Bills), Treasury Bonds, and other government securities — auctioned by the Bank of Tanzania on behalf of the Ministry of Finance.
As of January 2026, domestic debt grew to TZS 38,599.6 billion — a 1.9% monthly increase, primarily driven by new government securities issuances. The securities market remains robust, with bond auctions oversubscribed by as much as 34% for 10-year bonds at a yield of 11.30%.
TZS 38,599.6B
January 2026
+1.9%
From Dec 2025
TZS 263.7B
Mobilized in January 2026
11.30%
Auction oversubscribed by 34%
🏠 Government Domestic Debt by Holder — January 2026
Creditor / Holder
Amount (TZS Billion)
Share (%)
Role in Economy
Commercial Banks
10,902.5
28.5%
Primary market participants; use bonds for liquidity management
Pension Funds
10,389.5
27.1%
NSSF, PPF — long-term savings matched to long-term bonds
Bank of Tanzania
7,436.0
19.4%
Monetary policy; BoT holds non-securitized debt
Other Investors
7,128.9
18.6%
Corporates, SACCOs, individual retail investors
Insurance Companies
2,005.0
5.2%
Regulatory requirement to hold government securities
Total Domestic Debt
38,599.6
100%
—
Source: Bank of Tanzania Domestic Debt Statistics, January 2026.
Domestic Debt Holders — Distribution
By holder type (TZS Billion)
Domestic Debt by Instrument
Bonds dominate at 80.4% of domestic portfolio
Domestic Debt Instruments
Instrument
Amount (TZS Billion)
Share (%)
Typical Tenor
Treasury Bonds
31,015.1
80.4%
2 – 25 Years
Treasury Bills (T-Bills)
1,821.4
4.7%
91, 182, 364 Days
Non-Securitized Debt
5,763.1
14.9%
Various
Total
38,599.6
100%
—
Source: Bank of Tanzania, January 2026.
✅
Strong Domestic Market Signal: The oversubscription of bond auctions (34% for 10-year bonds) indicates strong investor confidence in Tanzania's government securities. This depth in the domestic market reduces dependence on external borrowing and provides a stable, lower-cost financing channel — a positive indicator for debt management.
Section 4
Trend of Tanzania External Debt (2025–2026)
Tanzania's external debt has followed a generally increasing trajectory over recent years, driven by financing of large-scale national infrastructure projects. However, the January 2026 data reveals that the actual disbursed outstanding debt (DOD) reflects a more measured pace of increase compared to committed debt.
📈 External Debt Trend — 2025 to January 2026
Disbursed Outstanding Debt (DOD) in USD Billion with trend line overlay
🕑 External Debt Historical Data Points
Period
External DOD (USD Billion)
Approx. TZS Trillion
Monthly Change (%)
January 2025
36.6
95.2
Baseline
December 2025
35.3
91.8
▼ −3.6% (YTD to Dec)
January 2026
35.8
93.0
▲ +0.6%
🔎
Note on Committed vs. Disbursed Debt: The committed external debt figure of USD 40,781.1 million (as per the primary BoT document) is higher than the disbursed outstanding debt of USD 35,750.7 million. The difference — USD 5,554.4 million (TZS 14.4 trillion) — represents funds in the pipeline that have been approved but not yet drawn down by Tanzania.
Source: Bank of Tanzania Monthly Reports, January 2025 – January 2026.
Key Drivers of Debt Increase
External borrowing has been primarily directed toward major strategic national investments:
🚃 Transport Infrastructure
The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) remains the largest single debt-financed project, alongside road construction, airport upgrades, and expansion of the Dar es Salaam Port — collectively representing 21.8% of external debt use.
⚡ Energy & Power
The Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (2,115 MW) and other energy infrastructure projects account for 11.9% of external debt, supporting Tanzania's goal of affordable energy access and industrial growth.
🏫 Social Sectors
Education, health, and water and sanitation projects represent 19.4% of external debt use, reflecting Tanzania's commitment to human capital development alongside physical infrastructure.
📈 Budget Support
22.7% of disbursed external debt goes toward balance of payments and direct budget support — helping stabilise government finances during periods of fiscal stress or commodity price fluctuations.
Section 5
Composition of Tanzania's Total National Debt
Combining external and domestic debt, Tanzania's total national debt as of January 2026 stands at USD 51,079.8 million (TZS 132.8 trillion). The composition reveals a strong external weighting, which shapes both the country's development financing strategy and its exposure to global financial conditions.
Total National Debt Composition — USD & TZS (January 2026)
Side-by-side comparison of external vs. domestic debt in both currencies
📋 Tanzania National Debt Composition — Full Breakdown
Debt Type
USD Million
TZS Trillion
Share (%)
Primary Holders
External Debt (DOD)
35,750.7
93.0
70.0%
World Bank, AfDB, Commercial Banks
Domestic Debt
~15,329.4
39.9
30.0%
Commercial Banks, Pension Funds, BoT
Total National Debt
51,079.8
132.8
100%
—
Source: Bank of Tanzania, January 2026. Domestic USD figure inferred from TZS 39.9T at ~TZS 2,600/USD.
🌎 External Debt Deep Dive
External debt at USD 35.75 billion represents 70% of the national total. Key characteristics:
Committed: USD 40,781.1M (includes pipeline)
Disbursed: USD 35,750.7M (active)
Largest creditor: Multilateral (58.2%)
Jan 2026 disbursements: +USD 122.9M
Jan 2026 servicing: −USD 98.5M
Net Jan change: +USD 524M (+0.6%)
🏠 Domestic Debt Deep Dive
Domestic debt at TZS 38,599.6 billion (30%) has grown through strong securities issuance:
Treasury Bonds: TZS 31,015.1B (80.4%)
Treasury Bills: TZS 1,821.4B (4.7%)
Non-securitized: TZS 5,763.1B (14.9%)
Monthly growth: +1.9%
Jan servicing: TZS 669.8B
Bonds oversubscribed by 34%
🔎
Structural Observation: While external debt dominates (70%), the growing domestic debt market — backed by oversubscribed bond auctions and strong institutional investor participation — is a positive sign of Tanzania's deepening capital markets. A gradual rebalancing toward domestic sources could reduce FX exposure over time.
Batch 1 of 2 — Sections 1–5. Sections 6–8 (Debt Sustainability, Economic Implications, Summary) will be added in Batch 2.
Section 6
Key Indicators of Debt Sustainability
Debt sustainability assesses whether Tanzania can meet its current and future debt obligations without compromising economic stability or requiring exceptional adjustment measures. The internationally recognised framework — the IMF/World Bank Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) — benchmarks Tanzania's debt against key thresholds.
As of January 2026, Tanzania's debt indicators remain within sustainable bounds, though the upward trend in external debt warrants continued fiscal discipline.
PV Debt-to-GDP Ratio
40.7%
Threshold: 55%
✅ Within safe limit
Public Debt-to-GDP
~43%
Threshold: 55%
✅ Moderate & manageable
External Debt Share
70%
Target: <60% preferred
⚠️ Elevated — monitor FX risk
Multilateral Debt Share
58.2%
Higher = more concessional
✅ Favourable terms
Debt Service / Exports
~12%
Threshold: ~25%
⚠️ Rising — needs monitoring
Commercial Debt Share
35.5%
Higher = more market risk
⚠️ Watch global rate movements
📈 Tanzania Debt Sustainability Indicators vs. Thresholds
Actual levels compared to IMF/World Bank benchmark thresholds (% scale)
📋 Debt Sustainability Indicator Summary
Indicator
Tanzania (Jan 2026)
IMF/WB Threshold
Status
Trend
PV Debt-to-GDP
~40.7%
55%
✅ Safe
▲ Rising
Public Debt-to-GDP
~43%
55%
✅ Safe
▲ Rising
External Debt Share of Total
70%
<60% preferred
⚠️ Watch
▬ Stable
Multilateral Debt Share
58.2%
Higher = better
✅ Good
▬ Stable
Commercial Debt Share
35.5%
<30% preferred
⚠️ Elevated
▲ Rising
Debt Service / Exports
~12%
25% threshold
✅ Safe
▲ Rising
Shilling Depreciation (Jan)
0.97%
Mild
⚡ Monitor
▲ Gradual
Source: IMF DSA Framework; Bank of Tanzania January 2026 Report.
🎯 Overall Sustainability Assessment
Tanzania's debt profile remains sustainable — the PV Debt-to-GDP ratio of ~40.7% is well below the 55% IMF threshold, and the strong multilateral creditor composition (58.2%) provides concessional terms. However, the rising commercial debt share (35.5%) and FX exposure from a 70% external debt weighting require active monitoring and prudent fiscal management going forward. A 10% depreciation of the Tanzanian Shilling would add approximately TZS 9 trillion to the effective debt burden.
Debt Servicing — January 2026
Tanzania made the following debt service payments in January 2026:
External Debt Service
USD 98.5M
Principal + interest to foreign creditors
Domestic Debt Service
TZS 669.8B
Redemptions + coupons on government securities
Debt Service vs. New Disbursements — January 2026
Net flow: new borrowings vs. repayments (USD Million equivalent)
Section 7
Economic Implications of Tanzania's National Debt
Tanzania's national debt finances approximately 34% of the FY 2025/26 government budget (total: TZS 49.2 trillion). It underpins the country's Vision 2050 industrialisation agenda and supports a GDP growth target of 6.0–6.3% in 2026. The securities market plays an increasingly important role in managing debt risks and mobilising domestic savings.
✅ Positive Impacts
Finances SGR, roads, hydropower — adding 1.0–1.5% to GDP annually
Infrastructure drives FDI target of USD 15 billion
Projects created 160,000 jobs in 2025
Supports GDP growth of 6.5–6.9% in medium term
Strong securities market mobilised TZS 263.7B in January alone
Multilateral terms (58.2%) support stability — inflation at 3.2%, credit growth at 23.5%.
Commercial debt (35.5%) creates risk if global interest rates spike, slowing diversification.
Bond yields benchmark private sector rates, enhancing financial inclusion for SMEs and households.
Inclusive Growth
Infrastructure projects created 160,000 jobs in 2025; target unemployment below 13.4% and poverty below 20% by 2030.
Debt overhang could deter private investment amid global shocks, widening inequality gaps.
Securities market recycles domestic savings into growth projects, projecting resilient 6.3% GDP in 2026.
Source: Bank of Tanzania; Ministry of Finance FY2025/26 Budget; TICGL Research synthesis.
📈 Tanzania GDP Growth Rate — Actual & Projected (2022–2027)
Debt-financed infrastructure contributing to sustained growth above 6%
Section 8
Summary of Tanzania National Debt — January 2026
The following table consolidates all key national debt indicators from the Bank of Tanzania's January 2026 data, providing a single reference snapshot of Tanzania's debt position.
Indicator
Value
Currency / Unit
Notes
Total National Debt
USD 51,079.8M
TZS 132.8 Trillion
External + Domestic combined
Total External Debt (Committed)
USD 40,781.1M
TZS 106.0 Trillion
Includes undisbursed pipeline
Disbursed Outstanding Debt (DOD)
USD 35,750.7M
TZS 93.0 Trillion
Active / deployed debt
Undisbursed External Debt
USD 5,554.4M
TZS 14.4 Trillion
Committed but not yet drawn
Domestic Debt
~USD 15,329.4M
TZS 38,599.6 Billion
Up 1.9% month-on-month
External Debt Share
70.0%
% of Total
Down from 77% (attached doc baseline)
Domestic Debt Share
30.0%
% of Total
Growing via bond issuances
Largest External Creditor
Multilateral Institutions
USD 20,803.5M (58.2%)
World Bank, AfDB, IMF
Commercial Creditors
USD 12,702.7M
35.5% of external
Market-rate borrowing; highest risk tier
Bilateral Creditors
USD 1,526.9M
4.3% of external
Government-to-government loans
Export Credit Agencies
USD 717.6M
2.0% of external
Trade-linked financing
Domestic Debt — Treasury Bonds
TZS 31,015.1B
80.4% of domestic
Dominant instrument; 2–25 year tenors
Domestic Debt — T-Bills
TZS 1,821.4B
4.7% of domestic
91, 182, 364-day instruments
Largest Domestic Holder
Commercial Banks
TZS 10,902.5B (28.5%)
Followed by Pension Funds 27.1%
Public Debt-to-GDP
~43%
% of GDP
Below 55% IMF threshold
PV Debt-to-GDP (DSA)
~40.7%
% of GDP
Safe — threshold is 55%
External Debt Service (Jan 2026)
USD 98.5M
Monthly
Principal + interest payments
Domestic Debt Service (Jan 2026)
TZS 669.8B
Monthly
Redemptions + coupon payments
New External Disbursements (Jan)
USD 122.9M
Monthly inflow
Mostly to central government
Securities Mobilised (Jan 2026)
TZS 263.7B
Monthly
10-year bonds oversubscribed by 34%
Exchange Rate Applied
~TZS 2,600/USD
Conversion basis
Shilling depreciated 0.97% in January
GDP Growth Target (2026)
6.0 – 6.3%
% annual
Supported by debt-financed infrastructure
Source: Bank of Tanzania Monthly Economic Review, January 2026; Ministry of Finance; TICGL Research Division.
📈 Tanzania Debt Structure at a Glance — January 2026
All major debt components visualised on a single stacked chart (TZS Trillion)
✅ Conclusion
Data from the Bank of Tanzania report confirms that Tanzania's national debt has grown steadily, reaching USD 51,079.8 million (TZS 132.8 trillion) as of January 2026 — primarily driven by large-scale investments in infrastructure and economic transformation under Vision 2050.
Key features of Tanzania's debt profile include:
External debt dominates at 70% — reflecting reliance on foreign financing for major projects such as the SGR, Julius Nyerere Hydropower, and port expansion.
Multilateral lenders are the largest creditors (58.2%) — providing concessional terms that support long-term sustainability.
Domestic debt is growing rapidly — driven by oversubscribed bond auctions, with TZS 263.7 billion mobilised in January 2026 alone.
Debt remains sustainable — PV Debt-to-GDP at ~40.7% is comfortably below the 55% IMF threshold.
FX risk is real but contained — mild Shilling depreciation (0.97% in January) and careful monetary policy support stability.
Growth trajectory is positive — debt-financed infrastructure supports a 6.0–6.3% GDP growth target for 2026, with medium-term potential of 6.5–6.9%.
Despite the growth in public debt, Tanzania continues to maintain moderate and sustainable debt levels relative to GDP. The deepening domestic securities market — evidenced by oversubscribed auctions and growing institutional investor participation — positions Tanzania for increasingly self-reliant development financing. Prudent fiscal management, however, remains essential to preserving this trajectory.
Tanzania Shilling Stability & National Debt Analysis March 2026 | TICGL
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TICGL Economic Analysis
Tanzania Shilling Stability & National Debt: A Comprehensive Analysis — March 2026
📅 Published: March 16, 2026📊 Source: Bank of Tanzania🏢 TICGL Research Unit🌍 Tanzania Economy
The Tanzania Shilling (TZS) has maintained remarkable stability in early 2026 — depreciating just 0.97% annually despite a national debt of TZS 128.6 trillion. This report examines the exchange rate trends, debt composition, creditor structure, and what all of this means for Tanzania's projected 6.0–6.3% GDP growth in 2026.
TZS 2,554
Avg Rate Mar 2026 (per USD)
▲ +1.4% from Jan 2026
0.97%
Annual TZS Depreciation
✔ Moderate — well-managed
TZS 128.6T
Total National Debt
≈ USD 51.1 billion
70%
External Debt Share
TZS 90 trillion external
3.2%
Inflation (Feb 2026)
✔ Low & controlled
6.0–6.3%
GDP Growth Forecast 2026
✔ Strong outlook
Section 01 — Currency Stability
Tanzania Shilling Exchange Rate Trends
The stability of the Tanzania Shilling is most directly measured by its exchange rate against the US dollar (USD). In early 2026, the Shilling showed moderate, well-managed depreciation — reflecting balanced monetary policy by the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) amidst global commodity price pressures and domestic liquidity dynamics.
By March 2026, the average exchange rate hovered around TZS 2,554 per USD, fluctuating in the range of TZS 2,550–2,609. The annual depreciation rate of just 0.97% is a strong signal that Tanzania's foreign exchange management remains effective.
TZS/USD Exchange Rate — Jan 2025 to Mar 2026
Source: Bank of Tanzania | Monthly Average Exchange Rates
Detailed Exchange Rate Data
Period
Exchange Rate (TZS per USD)
Monthly Change (%)
Notes
Jan 2025
2,486.6
—
Baseline stability amid low inflation
Jun 2025
2,604.6
+4.7%
Peak depreciation due to seasonal imports
Sep 2025
2,442.8
−6.2%
Recovery from export gains (gold)
Dec 2025
2,447.5
+0.2%
End-year stability
Jan 2026
2,518.1
+2.9%
Slight rise linked to debt payments
Mar 2026 (Avg)
2,554.7
+1.4%
Fluctuated TZS 2,550–2,609; moderate pressure
Key Insight: Despite seasonal peaks (Jun 2025: TZS 2,604.6/USD), the Shilling self-corrected to TZS 2,442.8 by September 2025 — underpinned by strong gold and agricultural export revenues. Reserves of USD 6.3 billion (~5 months import cover) provide a robust buffer against external shocks.
Section 02 — Debt Overview
Tanzania National Debt Overview (January 2026)
At the end of January 2026, Tanzania's total national debt stood at approximately TZS 128.6 trillion (USD 51.1 billion) — a modest 0.1% increase from the previous month. The debt is split between external obligations and domestic borrowing, with external debt accounting for 70% of the total.
National Debt Composition
External vs. Domestic — Jan 2026
Debt Stock by Category
TZS Trillion — January 2026
Debt Category
Amount (TZS)
Amount (USD)
Share of Total
External Debt
≈ TZS 90.0 trillion
≈ USD 35.8 billion
70%
Domestic Debt
TZS 38.6 trillion
≈ USD 15.3 billion
30%
Total National Debt
≈ TZS 128.6 trillion
USD 51,079.8 million
100%
Section 03 — Domestic Borrowing
Growth of Domestic Debt (2018–2026)
Domestic borrowing has grown substantially over the past eight years, driven by the government's need to finance infrastructure, energy, and budget deficits. From TZS 13,618.8 billion in 2018, domestic debt nearly tripled to TZS 38,599.6 billion by January 2026 — an increase of 183% over eight years.
The most rapid acceleration occurred between 2020 and 2023, coinciding with COVID-19 recovery spending and accelerated public infrastructure investment. In January 2026 alone, domestic debt grew by 1.9% month-on-month.
Government Domestic Debt Growth Trend (2018–2026)
TZS Billion | Source: Bank of Tanzania
Year / Period
Domestic Debt (TZS Billion)
Year-on-Year Growth (%)
Total National Debt (TZS Trillion)
2018
13,618.8
—
—
2020
14,637.8
+7.5%
—
2022
21,256.1
+45.2%
—
2023
26,494.6
+24.6%
—
2024
31,002.6
+17.0%
—
2025
37,899.0
+22.2%
—
Jan 2026
38,599.6
+1.9% (MoM)
128.6
Notable: The jump from TZS 14,637.8B (2020) to TZS 21,256.1B (2022) — a 45.2% spike — reflects significant post-pandemic fiscal stimulus. Growth has since moderated, signalling improved fiscal discipline.
Section 04 — Debt Instruments
Composition of Domestic Debt by Instrument
The majority of Tanzania's domestic debt is raised through government securities — primarily long-term Treasury Bonds, which provide stable, cost-effective financing for development projects. As of January 2026, government bonds accounted for an overwhelming 80.4% of total domestic debt.
Domestic Debt by Instrument
Percentage Share — Jan 2026
Domestic Debt by Instrument
TZS Billion Values — Jan 2026
Instrument
Amount (TZS Billion)
Share of Total
Purpose
Government Bonds
31,015.1
80.4%
Long-term development financing
Treasury Bills
1,821.4
4.7%
Short-term liquidity management
Non-securitised Debt
5,627.3
14.6%
Budget support obligations
Other Liabilities
0.1
~0%
Miscellaneous
Total Domestic Debt
38,599.6
100%
—
Why bonds dominate: Treasury Bonds provide long-dated, fixed-rate financing that matches the timeline of Tanzania's infrastructure projects (hydropower, transport, etc.) and reduce rollover risk compared to short-term Treasury Bills.
Section 05 — Creditor Base
Major Holders of Government Domestic Debt
Tanzania's domestic debt market is anchored by institutional investors — particularly commercial banks and pension funds, which together hold more than 55% of all government domestic securities. This broad-based creditor structure reduces concentration risk and reflects strong confidence in Tanzanian government paper.
Domestic Debt Holders — Share by Creditor Type
As at January 2026 | Source: Bank of Tanzania
Creditor
Amount (TZS Billion)
Share
Significance
Commercial Banks
10,902.5
28.5%
Largest single creditor group
Pension Funds
10,389.5
27.1%
Long-term domestic savings mobilised
Bank of Tanzania
7,436.0
19.4%
Monetary policy operations
Insurance Companies
2,005.0
5.2%
Asset-liability matching
Other Investors
7,128.9
18.6%
Retail & institutional diversification
Section 06 — External Obligations
External Debt Structure
Tanzania's external debt of ~TZS 90 trillion (≈ USD 35.8 billion) is predominantly owed to multilateral development institutions. Multilateral lenders — including the World Bank, African Development Bank, and IMF — account for 58.2% of external debt, offering concessional terms that reduce debt servicing pressure.
Commercial creditors hold 35.5% of external debt, signalling Tanzania's growing access to international capital markets — though this also introduces higher refinancing risk.
External Debt by Creditor Type
Percentage Share — Jan 2026
External Debt — TZS Trillion
Values by Creditor — Jan 2026
Creditor Type
Amount (TZS Trillion)
Share
Loan Terms
Multilateral Institutions
~TZS 52.0T
58.2%
Concessional (low interest, long maturity)
Commercial Creditors
~TZS 31.7T
35.5%
Market rates — higher servicing cost
Bilateral Creditors
~TZS 3.8T
4.3%
Government-to-government, mixed terms
Export Credit
~TZS 1.8T
2.0%
Tied to specific trade financing
Risk Note: The 35.5% share of commercial creditors is a key risk factor. A global interest rate spike or credit rating downgrade could significantly increase Tanzania's external debt servicing costs, putting pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
Section 07 — Macroeconomic Linkages
The Debt–Currency Relationship
There are several transmission channels through which Tanzania's debt profile affects the stability of the Shilling. Understanding these linkages is critical for investors, policymakers, and business planners operating in Tanzania.
Factor
Effect on the Shilling
Current Status
Increase in external debt
Higher demand for foreign currency to repay loans → depreciation pressure
Monitored
Debt servicing payments
Draws down foreign exchange reserves → potential weakening of TZS
Managed
Domestic borrowing via securities
Absorbs domestic liquidity → reduces inflationary pressure on TZS
Positive
Strong export revenues (gold, agriculture)
Generates USD inflows → supports TZS appreciation
Positive
USD 6.3B forex reserves (~5 months import cover)
Provides buffer against external shocks → stabilises TZS
Positive
FDI inflows (USD 11B in 2025)
Boosts FX supply → reduces depreciation pressure
Positive
The net result of these forces is that Tanzania's Shilling has remained relatively stable in early 2026 — annual depreciation of just 0.97% confirms that the positive factors (strong exports, adequate reserves, FDI inflows) are outweighing the debt-related pressures.
Key Stability Indicators at a Glance — January 2026
Composite view of Tanzania's monetary and fiscal health metrics
Section 08 — Development Impact
Economic Implications for Growth & Development
Tanzania's monetary and fiscal conditions in early 2026 present a mixed but broadly optimistic picture for economic development. Low inflation (3.2%), a stable exchange rate, and targeted public investment are driving a projected 6.0–6.3% GDP growth for 2026 — among the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa.
However, risks persist: rising external debt (70% of total) heightens foreign exchange vulnerability — a 10% TZS depreciation could raise debt servicing costs by approximately TZS 9 trillion, crowding out social spending and potentially increasing poverty rates.
Implication Category
Positive Impact on Growth
Potential Risks
Link to Securities Market
Currency Stability
Stable TZS (0.97% depreciation) aids exports (gold, agriculture up 10%), boosting 6.2% growth
External debt servicing demands USD, risking 2–5% further depreciation if reserves dip
Oversubscribed auctions (e.g., 34% for 10-year bonds) absorb liquidity, stabilising TZS without BoT intervention
Debt Sustainability
Debt-to-GDP ~40.6%, funds infrastructure (TZS 15.24 trillion planned 2026/27), driving 160,000 jobs created in 2025
Rising to 50% by 2027 could deter FDI if "debt overhang" reduces investor confidence
Domestic securities (80% bonds) cut external reliance, keeping debt service at 6.5% of budget, freeing funds for development
Macroeconomic Resilience
Low inflation (3.2%) and CBR (5.75%) support credit growth (20.3% in 2025), aiding SMEs and diversification
Global shocks (e.g., oil prices) could amplify debt pressures, slowing IMF-projected 6.3% growth
Bond yields (11.3%) benchmark private rates, enhancing financial deepening (~15% GDP market size)
High debt diverts from social services, risking unemployment (13.4%) and inequality
Institutional investors (banks/pensions hold 55%) recycle savings into growth, but crowding out could hurt SMEs if yields rise
Tanzania GDP Growth & Debt-to-GDP Outlook (2022–2027)
GDP Growth Rate (%) vs Debt-to-GDP Ratio (%) | Projections post-2025
Section 09 — Summary
Conclusion & Outlook
✅ TICGL Summary Verdict
Data from the Bank of Tanzania's March 2026 report confirms that Tanzania's national debt continues to increase — particularly through external borrowing. Despite this growth, the Tanzania Shilling remains relatively stable, with only moderate depreciation of 0.97% annually.
Tanzania's foreign exchange management is relatively effective, supported by USD 6.3 billion in reserves
External borrowing remains within manageable levels — debt-to-GDP of ~40.6% sits well below the 55% IMF threshold
Controlled inflation (3.2%), active monetary policy (CBR at 5.75%), and adequate FX market liquidity all contribute to Shilling stability
The government securities market is a key stabilising mechanism — mobilising domestic savings (80% through bonds) reduces external vulnerability
GDP growth of 6.0–6.3% projected for 2026, driven by mining, construction, agriculture, and ongoing economic reforms
With prudent revenue mobilisation, medium-term GDP growth of 6.5–6.9% is achievable
Overall, Tanzania's balanced debt management via the government securities market has kept Shilling pressures low, positioning the country for resilient and sustained economic growth. Analysts note a moderate external debt distress risk, but ongoing reforms and strong export performance provide meaningful buffers.
Investors and business operators in Tanzania should monitor Bank of Tanzania monthly reports, foreign exchange reserve levels, and auction participation rates as leading indicators of Shilling stability and fiscal health.
Related TICGL Economic Resources
Explore more research, data tools, and investment intelligence from TICGL
Government Securities Market in Tanzania 2025–2026 | Treasury Bills & Bonds Analysis | TICGL
TICGL Economic Research·Tanzania Investment & Consultant Group Ltd·Published March 2026
📊 Financial Markets Analysis
Government Securities Market in Tanzania: 2025–2026
An in-depth analysis of Tanzania's Treasury Bills, Treasury Bonds, and Interbank Cash Market —
covering auction performance, monetary policy transmission, and economic implications for Tanzania's growth trajectory.
Published byTICGL Research
Data PeriodOct 2025 – Mar 2026
MarketTanzania (TZS)
SourceBank of Tanzania (BoT)
11.30%
10-Yr Bond Yield
January 2026 Auction
TZS 2,869B
IBCM Turnover
January 2026
34%
Bond Oversubscription
Jan 2026 10-Yr Auction
73.2%
7-Day Interbank Share
Dominant Tenor
5.75%
Central Bank Rate
BoT CBR Q1 2026
6.3%
GDP Growth Forecast
Tanzania 2026
Section 01
Government Securities Market — Overview
The Government Securities Market is where the Tanzanian government raises domestic funds by issuing
Treasury Bills (short-term) and Treasury Bonds (long-term) through competitive auctions
conducted by the Bank of Tanzania (BoT). It serves as the primary mechanism for non-inflationary budget
financing and development project funding.
As of early 2026, Tanzania's government securities market exhibits remarkable resilience: auctions remain consistently
oversubscribed, yields have stabilized within the 9–12% range, and institutional demand continues to grow — reflecting
investor confidence underpinned by stable inflation at 3.2% and projected GDP growth of 6.0–6.3%.
Key Context
Tanzania's domestic debt stock reached TZS 38,114.8 billion in October 2025 (~17% of GDP),
with Treasury Bonds comprising ~70% of the total, reflecting a deliberate strategy toward longer-duration, more stable financing.
Main Market Instruments
📋
Treasury Bills
Maturity: 35 · 91 · 182 · 364 Days
Short-term government debt instruments used for liquidity management and immediate budget financing. Auctioned weekly by the Bank of Tanzania via competitive bidding.
🏛️
Treasury Bonds
Maturity: 2 – 25 Years
Long-term government securities issued to finance development projects: infrastructure, hydropower, roads, and agriculture. Provide stable, predictable debt servicing costs.
Typical Buyers of Government Securities
Commercial Banks
Pension Funds
Insurance Companies
Institutional Investors
Why the Government Securities Market Matters
Importance of Government Securities Market in Tanzania
Function
Explanation
Impact
Government Financing
Supports budget deficits and development projects without printing money
High
Monetary Policy Tool
Used by Bank of Tanzania (BoT) for open-market liquidity management
High
Benchmark Interest Rate
Treasury yields serve as reference rates for loans, mortgages, and other instruments
Medium
Safe Investment Asset
Low-risk option for institutional investors — pension funds, banks, insurers
Medium
Debt Sustainability
Reduces reliance on external (foreign currency) borrowing, mitigating FX risk
High
Source: Bank of Tanzania; TICGL Analysis 2026
2
Section 02
Treasury Bills — Auction Performance
Treasury Bill auctions are conducted weekly by the Bank of Tanzania across four tenors: 35-day, 91-day,
182-day, and 364-day instruments. From October 2025 through January 2026, every auction was oversubscribed,
a clear signal of sustained institutional confidence in short-term government paper.
Yields edged slightly upward from the 9–10% range in October 2025 to 11–12% by January 2026 — a reflection of
tightening liquidity conditions and evolving market expectations ahead of the central bank's
policy decisions. Crucially, this yield movement occurred within an orderly market, with the
government consistently absorbing its full tender each auction cycle.
Treasury Bills Auction Results (Oct 2025 – Jan 2026)
Month
Tender Size (TZS Bn)
Bids Submitted (TZS Bn)
Successful Bids (TZS Bn)
Wtd. Avg. Yield
Oversubscription
Oct 2025
~560
~740
~560
9.0 – 10.0%
+32%
Nov 2025
~560
~720
~560
~10.0%
+29%
Dec 2025
~560
~800
~560
~11.0%
+43%
Jan 2026
~560
~840
~560
11.0 – 12.0%
+50%
Source: Bank of Tanzania Auction Reports, TICGL compilation. Bids submitted and tender sizes are approximations based on BoT data.
Treasury Bills: Demand vs. Tender Size & Yield Trend
Monthly auction performance — Oversubscription and weighted average yield movement
Oct 2025 – Jan 2026
Bid Oversubscription Rate — Monthly Trend
Percentage by which bids submitted exceeded the government's tender size
Investor Demand Indicator
✅ Key Observation
Every Treasury Bill auction from October 2025 to January 2026 was oversubscribed — meaning the market offered more funds
than the government required. This indicates exceptionally high investor confidence in Tanzanian government debt instruments.
The rise in oversubscription from ~32% (Oct 2025) to ~50% (Jan 2026) signals deepening domestic capital markets.
3
Section 03
Treasury Bonds — 10-Year Auction Analysis
Alongside the weekly Treasury Bill auctions, the Bank of Tanzania conducts periodic Treasury Bond auctions
for longer tenors ranging from 2 to 25 years. These bonds are critical instruments for financing Tanzania's
long-term development agenda — hydropower, roads, industrial zones, and social infrastructure.
The January 2026 10-year Treasury Bond auction stands as a landmark result: oversubscribed by approximately
34%, with a weighted average yield of 11.30% — a borrowing cost that remains favorable by regional standards.
The high demand reflects growing pension fund and insurance company allocations to domestic long-duration paper.
10-Year Treasury Bond Auction — January 2026
Indicator
Value (TZS Billion)
Interpretation
Tender Size
144.6
Government's target raise for this auction
Total Bids Received
194.1
Market offered TZS 49.5 billion above the tender
Successful Bids
118.9
Government accepted below tender — managing yield levels
Weighted Average Yield
11.30%
Favorable long-term borrowing cost for the government
Oversubscription Rate
~34%
Strong institutional demand for long-duration GoT paper
Source: Bank of Tanzania, January 2026 Bond Auction Results
10-Year Treasury Bond: Tender vs. Bids vs. Successful Allocations
Visual breakdown of the January 2026 auction — government's strategic acceptance below tender
Jan 2026
Yield Comparison: Treasury Bills vs. 10-Year Treasury Bond
Tanzania's yield curve — risk-return relationship across maturities
Yield Curve Snapshot
⚠️ Strategic Note
The government accepted TZS 118.9 billion — below the TZS 144.6 billion tender — to maintain favorable
yield levels and avoid upward pressure on long-term borrowing costs. This disciplined approach to debt management
demonstrates sound fiscal stewardship by the Ministry of Finance and BoT.
4
Section 04
Interbank Cash Market — IBCM Analysis
The Interbank Cash Market (IBCM) is where commercial banks lend and borrow short-term funds
among themselves to manage daily liquidity positions. It serves as a critical transmission mechanism
for monetary policy — interest rates here respond quickly to the Central Bank Rate (CBR) set by the Bank of Tanzania.
In January 2026, total IBCM turnover reached TZS 2,868.9 billion, a slight decline from December's
TZS 3,481.9 billion — reflecting post-year-end normalisation rather than market stress. The dominant tenor was
7-day transactions, accounting for 73.2% of all interbank activity.
IBCM Market Activity — January 2026
Indicator
Value
Context
Total Market Turnover (Jan 2026)
TZS 2,868.9 Bn
Active market — supports smooth bank liquidity operations
Previous Month Turnover (Dec 2025)
TZS 3,481.9 Bn
Higher Dec activity driven by year-end liquidity demand
Month-on-Month Change
–17.6%
Normalisation post year-end, not a sign of market stress
Dominant Tenor
7-Day Transactions
Banks prefer 7-day instruments for predictable short-term management
Share of 7-Day Transactions
73.2%
Signals preference for medium short-term over overnight borrowing
Source: Bank of Tanzania Monthly Economic Review, January 2026
Interbank Transaction Tenor Breakdown
~15%
Overnight
~12%
2–6 Days
73.2%
7 Days
Chart: IBCM transaction share by tenor — January 2026. The 7-day rate serves as a benchmark indicator of overall banking system liquidity.
Interbank Cash Market — Monthly Turnover Trend
TZS Billion — estimated turnover Q4 2025 through January 2026
IBCM Activity
IBCM Transaction Structure by Tenor — January 2026
Share of interbank lending by maturity bucket
Tenor Distribution
Monetary Policy Transmission Chain
BoT Sets
CBR: 5.75%
→
IBCM Responds
7-Day Rate
→
Banks Price
Lending Rates
→
Economy
Credit Growth
Bank of Tanzania Liquidity Management Instruments
Instrument
Direction
Purpose
Effect on IBCM
Reverse Repo
Inject ↑
BoT buys securities from banks — adds liquidity
Pushes IBCM rate down toward CBR floor
Repo
Absorb ↓
BoT sells securities to banks — drains liquidity
Pushes IBCM rate up within policy corridor
Government Securities (OMO)
Dual
Open Market Operations — fine-tune liquidity
Anchors overnight and short-term rates
Standing Lending Facility
Emergency ↑
Emergency liquidity backstop for commercial banks
Sets ceiling on IBCM rates
Source: Bank of Tanzania Monetary Policy Framework; TICGL Analysis 2026
How Government Securities and Interbank Market Interact
🏛️ Government Securities Market
▸ Used for government borrowing and fiscal financing
▸ Provides safe, liquid investment assets for banks
▸ Influences banking system liquidity when banks buy securities
▸ Sets the benchmark yield curve for the economy
🏦 Interbank Cash Market (IBCM)
▸ Used for bank-to-bank short-term liquidity management
▸ Responds to liquidity changes caused by T-Bill purchases
▸ Transmits BoT monetary policy to the real economy
💡 The Feedback Loop Explained
When banks purchase large volumes of Treasury Bills, their available cash reserves fall. To meet reserve requirements or fund daily operations,
these banks then borrow from the interbank market. This raises IBCM demand and can push short-term rates higher —
creating a direct feedback loop between the government securities market and interbank liquidity conditions.
5
Section 05
Key Market Indicators — Tanzania, January 2026
The table below synthesizes the most critical data points from Tanzania's financial markets as of January 2026,
drawing from Bank of Tanzania publications and TICGL research. Together, these indicators paint a picture of a
stable, well-functioning domestic financial system.
Indicator
Value
Status
Signal
Treasury Bill Demand
Oversubscribed every auction
✅ Strong
High investor confidence in short-term GoT debt
T-Bill Weighted Avg. Yield (Jan 2026)
11.0 – 12.0%
Elevated
Tight liquidity; slight upward yield pressure
10-Year Bond Yield
11.30%
✅ Stable
Favorable long-term borrowing cost
10-Year Bond Oversubscription
~34%
✅ Strong
Deep institutional appetite for long-duration GoT bonds
IBCM Turnover (Jan 2026)
TZS 2,868.9 Bn
Active
Healthy bank-to-bank liquidity trading
Dominant IBCM Tenor
7-Day
Normal
Short-term focus reflects standard liquidity management
Share of 7-Day Transactions
73.2%
Dominant
Market benchmark for system-wide liquidity
Central Bank Rate (CBR)
5.75%
✅ Stable
Accommodative stance supporting growth targets
Domestic Debt / GDP
~17%
✅ Sustainable
Well within international thresholds
Tanzania Inflation (Feb 2026)
3.2%
✅ Within Target
BoT target range: 3–5%
Source: Bank of Tanzania; National Bureau of Statistics; TICGL Research, March 2026
Tanzania Financial Market Health — Multi-Metric Overview
Composite assessment across six dimensions — January 2026 (scores are illustrative normalised ratings)
Market Dashboard
Related TICGL Resources
Explore more from Tanzania's leading economic intelligence platform
Economic Implications — Tanzania's Growth & Development
The government securities market is far more than a financing mechanism — it is a strategic lever
for Tanzania's macroeconomic management. Its performance directly shapes the country's fiscal space,
monetary policy effectiveness, investor confidence, and long-run growth potential.
Tanzania's economy is forecast to grow at 6.0–6.3% in 2026, up from 5.9% in 2025, with the government
securities market playing a central enabling role. Domestic securities fund approximately 34% of the FY 2025/26
budget (TZS 49.2 trillion), channelling resources into infrastructure, agriculture, mining, and construction —
the four pillars of Tanzania's current growth model.
Tanzania GDP Growth Trajectory
2023
5.1%
Actual GDP Growth
2024
5.5%
Actual GDP Growth
2025
5.9%
Actual GDP Growth
2026 F
6.3%
Forecast (BoT/IMF)
2027+ F
6.9%
Medium-Term Target
Tanzania GDP Growth Rate — Historical & Forecast (2021–2027)
Percentage annual growth — shaded area represents government securities market contribution period
Growth Trajectory
📌 Context
Tanzania's public debt stands at approximately 40.6% of GDP in FY 2025/26 — well below the
IMF/World Bank risk threshold of 55% for low-income countries. This fiscal headroom enables the government
to continue accessing domestic capital markets without triggering debt sustainability concerns.
7
Implication 01
Financing Development Projects — Fiscal Space & Budget Support
The government securities market funds ~34% of Tanzania's FY 2025/26 national budget (TZS 49.2 trillion),
providing non-inflationary financing for critical development priorities. Low average yields of approximately
10.8% keep annual debt servicing at a manageable ~6.5% of the budget — freeing significant
fiscal resources for productive investment.
Major beneficiaries include the hydropower sector (planned additions of 1.2–1.5% to GDP), road infrastructure,
and agricultural programmes — which together generated ~160,000 new jobs from new investments in 2025.
The government's Vision 2050 industrialisation goals depend critically on this market's continued depth and stability.
FY 2025/26 Government Budget — Financing Sources
Estimated share of TZS 49.2 trillion budget by funding mechanism
Fiscal Structure
Domestic Borrowing & Debt Metrics — Tanzania 2025/26
Metric
FY 2025/26
FY 2026/27 (Projected)
Assessment
Total Domestic Borrowing
~TZS 12.8 Tn
TZS 15.24 Tn
Increasing
Domestic Debt Stock
TZS 38,114.8 Bn
Est. TZS 42,000+ Bn
Manageable
Domestic Debt / GDP
~17%
~18–19%
Sustainable
Total Public Debt / GDP
~40.6%
~42%
Below 55% threshold
Debt Service / Budget
~6.5%
~7–8%
Moderate
Bonds Share of Domestic Debt
~70%
~72%
Longer-duration stability
Avg. Weighted Yield (T-Bills)
~10.8%
~11–12%
Slight upward pressure
Source: Bank of Tanzania; Ministry of Finance Tanzania; TICGL Analysis, March 2026
Key Sectors Financed Through Government Securities — FY 2025/26
Estimated allocation of domestically-financed development expenditure by sector
Sectoral Allocation
✅ Development Impact
Tanzania's domestic securities market financed a hydropower expansion program expected to add
1.2–1.5 percentage points to GDP. Combined with road infrastructure spending,
this domestically-financed investment created approximately 160,000 new jobs in 2025 —
demonstrating the market's direct link to inclusive growth.
8
Implication 02
Monetary Policy Transmission — Stability & Inflation Control
Government securities are the primary instrument through which the Bank of Tanzania conducts
Open Market Operations (OMO) — injecting or absorbing liquidity as needed to keep the banking
system in balance. This transmission chain runs from the Central Bank Rate (CBR at 5.75% in Q1 2026)
through the interbank market, to commercial lending rates, and ultimately to the real economy.
The effectiveness of this chain is validated by Tanzania's inflation performance: at 3.2% in
February 2026, inflation sits squarely within the Bank of Tanzania's 3–5% target band —
shielding households from price instability and supporting real consumer purchasing power.
Private credit growth of 16.1% year-on-year further attests to the health of
monetary transmission.
Monetary Policy & Stability Indicators — Q1 2026
Indicator
Value
Target / Benchmark
Status
Central Bank Rate (CBR)
5.75%
Policy corridor anchor
Accommodative
Tanzania Inflation Rate (Feb 2026)
3.2%
BoT target: 3–5%
✅ On Target
Private Sector Credit Growth (YoY)
16.1%
Target: 20%+
Below target
T-Bill Yield Serving as Benchmark
11.0–12.0%
Market lending rate reference
Elevated
Bank Holdings of Gov. Securities
~70% of IBCM assets
—
Crowding-out risk
Foreign Exchange Reserves
USD 6.3 Billion
Min. 4 months import cover
~5 months cover
Source: Bank of Tanzania Monetary Policy Statement Q1 2026; NBS Tanzania; TICGL Research
Inflation vs. Private Sector Credit Growth — Tanzania 2023–2026
Dual-axis comparison: inflation control (left) vs. credit expansion (right)
Monetary Indicators
⚠️ Crowding-Out Risk
Commercial banks' heavy allocation to government securities (~70% of liquid assets) may
restrict credit availability for private sector SMEs. Private sector credit growth
at 16.1% YoY remains below the 20%+ target needed to drive job creation among Tanzania's youth
(unemployment ~13.4%). Policymakers must balance fiscal needs with private-sector lending capacity.
9
Implication 03
Investor Confidence — Domestic Capital Mobilisation & FDI
Consistent oversubscription of government securities sends a powerful signal to both domestic and
international investors: Tanzania's financial system is credible, stable, and deepening.
This confidence effect radiates beyond the bond market — contributing to a favourable environment
for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), which reached approximately USD 11 billion in 2025,
with a target of USD 15 billion for 2026.
Pension funds, insurance companies, and other institutional investors — whose domestic savings are
channelled into government paper — represent significant untapped capital. Analysts
estimate that redirecting excess auction capacity (TZS 50–100 billion per auction above government needs)
toward green bonds or SME guarantee facilities could add 0.5–1.0 percentage points
to annual GDP growth.
Tanzania FDI & Investment Confidence — Key Metrics
Indicator
2024
2025
2026 Target
Driver
FDI Inflows
~USD 9.5 Bn
~USD 11 Bn
USD 15 Bn
Policy reforms, stable macro environment
New Investment Projects Approved
~780
927
1,000+
TIC facilitation, lower regulatory friction
Jobs from New Investments
~130,000
~160,000
180,000+
Infrastructure-led investment expansion
Household Savings Rate
~11%
~12%
13–14%
Deepening financial sector access
External Debt Share of Total Debt
~71%
~69.5%
68%
Shift toward domestic financing
Foreign Reserves (Import Cover)
~4.7 months
~5.0 months
5+ months
Strong gold & export earnings
Source: Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC); Bank of Tanzania; IMF Article IV 2025; TICGL Analysis
Tanzania FDI Inflows vs. New Investment Projects — 2021–2026
USD Billion inflows (bars) and number of approved projects (line) — reflects market confidence signal
Investment Climate
✅ Capital Market Opportunity
Excess bids in Treasury Bill and Bond auctions (TZS 50–100 billion above tender per cycle) signal significant
untapped domestic capital. Structured products such as green bonds, housing bonds, or SME
guarantee instruments could redirect this liquidity into higher-impact productive investment — potentially
adding 0.5–1.0% to annual GDP growth and accelerating Tanzania's transition to self-reliant, inclusive development.
10
Implication 04
Risks & Challenges — Headwinds to Sustained Growth
While Tanzania's government securities market performs strongly, it is not without risks.
The primary concern is the crowding-out effect: as the government borrows more
domestically to fund a projected TZS 15.24 trillion in FY 2026/27, it competes directly with
private sector borrowers for the same pool of bank funds. This dynamic can constrain SME lending,
slow private investment diversification, and limit youth employment opportunities.
External shocks — particularly oil price volatility and tightening global financial conditions —
could raise yields beyond the current 11–12% range, increasing debt-servicing costs and squeezing
fiscal space. Analysts note Tanzania's strong buffers (USD 6.3 billion reserves, stable gold export
earnings) provide meaningful protection, but sustained vigilance remains essential.
Opportunities vs. Risks — Balanced Assessment
✅ Opportunities
▸ Deepening domestic capital markets through longer-tenor issuance (25-year bonds)
▸ Green bond issuance to fund climate-resilient infrastructure
▸ SME guarantee facilities funded by excess auction liquidity
▸ Pension fund diversification into productive sectors
▸ Reducing external borrowing dependence — lower FX risk
▸ Continued oversubscription signals room for larger tender sizes
Anchors inflation at 3.2%; supports 6.3% GDP forecast; low external risk
External debt risks if global rates rise, though domestic focus mitigates
Net Positive
Investment Attraction
927 new projects in 2025 (~USD 11B); stable credit ratings; policy reforms
Youth unrest or policy gaps could deter FDI; job creation may slow
Net Positive
Monetary Policy
Effective OMO tool; inflation within target; reserves at 5 months cover
Bank-heavy holdings (~70%) risk reducing SME lending if liquidity tightens
Moderate
Debt Sustainability
Total debt-to-GDP ~40.6% — well below 55% IMF threshold
FY 2026/27 borrowing (TZS 15.24 Tn) increases pressure on sustainability
Sustainable
Employment & Inclusion
~160,000 jobs from infrastructure-linked investments in 2025
Crowding-out limits SME finance; youth unemployment persists at ~13.4%
Watch
Source: TICGL Economic Analysis; Bank of Tanzania; IMF; World Bank Tanzania Economic Update 2025
Tanzania Debt Sustainability — Key Ratios vs. Risk Thresholds
Current levels (blue) plotted against IMF/World Bank risk thresholds (red dashed). Values in % of GDP.
Debt Sustainability
Four Pillars of Economic Impact
🏗️
Infrastructure & Fiscal Financing
Domestic securities fund ~34% of the national budget, prioritizing hydropower
(+1.2–1.5% GDP), roads, and industrial zones. Average borrowing cost of ~10.8% keeps debt
servicing at a sustainable 6.5% of budget.
TZS 49.2 Tn — FY 2025/26 Budget Size
📉
Inflation Anchoring & Stability
BoT's use of securities for Open Market Operations keeps inflation at 3.2%
within the 3–5% target. This protects household purchasing power and anchors business
planning confidence across all sectors.
3.2% — Tanzania Inflation, February 2026
💰
FDI & Investment Climate
Consistent oversubscription signals macro credibility, contributing to USD 11B in FDI
in 2025. Stable credit outlook and policy reforms target USD 15B by end-2026,
with 927 new approved investment projects.
USD 11 Bn — Tanzania FDI Inflows, 2025
⚠️
Crowding-Out & SME Risk
Banks holding ~70% of liquid assets in government securities may limit SME credit
access. Private credit growth at 16.1% remains below the 20% target.
Youth unemployment at 13.4% requires urgent private-sector catalysis.
13.4% — Youth Unemployment Rate, 2025
11
Section 11 — Conclusion
Conclusion — Tanzania's Financial Markets in 2026
Tanzania's government securities market and interbank cash market together constitute
a robust, maturing financial infrastructure capable of supporting the country's
ambitious development agenda. The evidence from October 2025 through January 2026 is unambiguous:
every auction was oversubscribed, yields remained within manageable bounds, the interbank market
cleared efficiently, and inflation stayed firmly within target.
These outcomes do not happen by chance. They reflect disciplined monetary management by the
Bank of Tanzania, a deepening institutional investor base, and growing market
confidence in Tanzania's macroeconomic fundamentals. With GDP growth forecast at 6.3% for 2026
and a medium-term target of 6.9%, the securities market is well-positioned to remain a cornerstone
of Tanzania's self-reliant growth strategy.
The primary challenge ahead is ensuring that this financial strength translates into
broad-based, inclusive prosperity — particularly for SMEs, youth, and rural
communities who remain underserved by formal financial markets. Innovative instruments such as
green bonds, infrastructure bonds with retail participation, and SME credit guarantee facilities
could bridge this gap — turning oversubscribed government auctions from a fiscal tool into
an engine of inclusive growth.
✅ TICGL Research Summary
Tanzania's Financial Markets Remain Stable, Deep, and Growth-Enabling
The convergence of consistently oversubscribed auctions, a functioning interbank market,
controlled inflation, and growing FDI inflows positions Tanzania as one of East Africa's
most credible domestic capital markets. With disciplined management, the securities market
can accelerate medium-term GDP to 6.9% and deliver more inclusive development outcomes.
✓
Treasury Bill auctions oversubscribed every month Oct 2025–Jan 2026, with demand rising to 50% above tender
✓
10-Year Treasury Bond yield at 11.30% — favourable long-term borrowing cost for development financing
✓
Interbank market turnover of TZS 2,868.9 Bn in Jan 2026 — efficient bank liquidity management
✓
Inflation at 3.2% within BoT target; GDP growth forecast 6.3% for 2026; debt-to-GDP sustainable at ~40.6%
✓
FDI inflows reached USD 11 Bn in 2025 — investor confidence in Tanzania's macro stability is rising
✓
Key risk: crowding-out of private credit — requires innovative instruments to broaden financial inclusion
Tanzania Financial Market Composite — Key Metrics at a Glance (Jan 2026)
Normalised performance score (0–100) across six market dimensions — for comparative context
Composite Scorecard
Sources:Bank of Tanzania (BoT) Monthly Economic Reviews & Auction Results·National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Tanzania·Ministry of Finance & Planning Tanzania·Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC)·IMF Article IV Consultation 2025·World Bank Tanzania Economic Update 2025·TICGL Economic Research Division, March 2026
The provided insights from the Bank of Tanzania's Monthly Economic Review (September 2025) on the Financial Markets—specifically the Government Securities Market and Interbank Cash Market (IBCM)—paint a picture of a stable and liquid financial system supporting broader economic expansion. When viewed alongside the broader context in the attached document (e.g., Q3 2025 GDP growth estimated above 6%, headline inflation at a low 3.4%, and 21% y-o-y growth in broad money supply M3), these developments signal positive momentum in Tanzania's economic development. They reflect effective monetary policy transmission, investor confidence, and fiscal resilience amid global headwinds like trade uncertainties and moderating commodity prices.
1. Government Securities Market
Treasury Bills (T-bills)
In August 2025, the Bank of Tanzania conducted two Treasury bill auctions with a total tender size of TZS 163.6 billion.
The auctions attracted bids worth TZS 409.7 billion, showing high demand.
Out of these, TZS 162.9 billion were successful bids.
The overall weighted average yield (WAY) declined to 6.83%, down from 8.13% in July 2025, reflecting adequate market liquidity.
Treasury Bonds (T-bonds)
Auctions for 15-year and 25-year bonds were also conducted:
15-year bond tender size: TZS 213.1 billion.
25-year bond tender size: TZS 293.7 billion.
These auctions were significantly oversubscribed, highlighting strong investor appetite.
Total bids submitted reached TZS 2,256.4 billion, but only TZS 867.7 billion were accepted.
Weighted average yields fell to:
13.91% (15-year bonds)
14.42% (25-year bonds).
Government Borrowing (Domestic Market)
In total, the Government borrowed TZS 1,644.1 billion from the domestic market in August 2025.
TZS 1,480.7 billion came from Government bonds.
TZS 163.5 billion from Treasury bills.
Domestic debt stood at TZS 37,129.8 billion at the end of August 2025, an increase of 5% from July, driven mainly by issuance of bonds.
2. Interbank Cash Market (IBCM)
The IBCM remained vital in redistributing liquidity among banks.
Turnover:
August 2025: TZS 2,374.5 billion
July 2025: TZS 3,746 billion (higher previous month).
About 60% of transactions were 7-day deals.
Interest Rates:
The average IBCM rate declined to 6.48% in August, down from 7.35% in July 2025, due to adequate liquidity and its alignment with the Central Bank Rate (CBR) of 5.75%.
By maturity category (August 2025):
Overnight: 6.15%
2–7 days: 6.52%
8–14 days: 6.71%
15–30 days: 6.87%
31–60 days: 6.90%
91–180 days: 7.00%
Financial Market Key Figures – Tanzania (August 2025)
Indicator
Figure
Treasury Bills
Tender Size
TZS 163.6 billion
Bids Submitted
TZS 409.7 billion
Successful Bids
TZS 162.9 billion
Weighted Average Yield
6.83%
Treasury Bonds
15-Year Bond Tender Size
TZS 213.1 billion
25-Year Bond Tender Size
TZS 293.7 billion
Total Bids Submitted (All Bonds)
TZS 2,256.4 billion
Accepted Bids
TZS 867.7 billion
15-Year Bond Yield
13.91%
25-Year Bond Yield
14.42%
Government Borrowing – Domestic
Total Borrowed
TZS 1,644.1 billion
– of which Bonds
TZS 1,480.7 billion
– of which Treasury Bills
TZS 163.5 billion
Domestic Debt Stock (End of Aug 2025)
TZS 37,129.8 billion
Interbank Cash Market (IBCM)
Turnover – July 2025
TZS 3,746.0 billion
Turnover – Aug 2025
TZS 2,374.5 billion
Average Interest Rate – July 2025
7.35%
Average Interest Rate – Aug 2025
6.48%
Implications for Tanzania's Economic Development
1. Government Securities Market: Signs of Fiscal Confidence and Lower Borrowing Costs
Key Observations Recap: Auctions for Treasury bills (T-bills) and bonds were oversubscribed (e.g., T-bill bids at TZS 409.7 billion vs. TZS 163.6 billion tender; bond bids at TZS 2,256.4 billion vs. TZS 506.8 billion tender), leading to declining weighted average yields (T-bills: 6.83% from 8.13%; 15-year bonds: 13.91%; 25-year bonds: 14.42%). Total domestic borrowing hit TZS 1,644.1 billion, pushing domestic debt to TZS 37,129.8 billion (up 5% m-o-m).
Implications for Economic Development:
Enhanced Fiscal Space and Infrastructure Investment: Lower yields indicate abundant liquidity and strong domestic investor appetite (e.g., from banks and pension funds), reducing the government's cost of funding. This aligns with the document's note on rising credit to construction (14.8% y-o-y growth) and mining (3.2%), enabling more public spending on infrastructure like the Standard Gauge Railway expansions or Bagamoyo Port upgrades. The World Bank’s 2025 Tanzania Economic Update emphasizes that cheaper domestic borrowing could free up 1-2% of GDP for capital projects, supporting the 6%+ growth trajectory.
Investor Confidence and Financial Deepening: Oversubscription (over 4x for bonds) signals trust in Tanzania's macroeconomic stability, bolstered by low inflation (within 3-5% target) and exchange rate steadiness. This could attract more foreign portfolio investment, as seen in recent inflows to East African bonds. However, the 5% debt stock rise warrants monitoring; IMF projections for 2025 peg public debt at ~45% of GDP (sustainable under 55% threshold), but sustained issuance could crowd out private credit if not balanced.
Risks: If global oil prices (noted as moderating in the document) rebound, energy import costs could pressure fiscal balances, potentially reversing yield declines.
Indicator
August 2025 Value
Implication for Development
T-bill Oversubscription Ratio
~2.5x (bids/tender)
High liquidity supports private sector lending (16.2% credit growth).
Bond Yield Decline
-1.3 to -1.5 ppts m-o-m
Lowers govt. interest payments by ~TZS 200-300 bn annually, aiding deficit financing at 4.5% of GDP.
Domestic Debt Stock
TZS 37,129.8 bn (+5%)
Enables growth funding but risks higher debt service (projected at 20% of revenues).
Key Observations Recap: Turnover dipped to TZS 2,374.5 billion (from TZS 3,746 billion in July), but average rates fell to 6.48% (from 7.35%), aligning closely with the CBR of 5.75%. Shorter maturities (e.g., overnight at 6.15%) show efficient redistribution, with 60% of deals at 7 days.
Implications for Economic Development:
Monetary Policy Effectiveness and Credit Expansion: The rate convergence to the CBR (lowered in July per the document) demonstrates smooth policy easing, injecting liquidity via reverse repos and full allotments. This fueled 21% M3 growth and 16.2% private credit expansion, particularly in high-growth sectors like agriculture (30.1% credit rise) and trade (29.2%). As per the African Development Bank's 2025 outlook, such liquidity supports SME financing, critical for Tanzania's 7 million+ micro-enterprises contributing 30% to GDP.
Banking Sector Stability and Financial Inclusion: Lower IBCM rates reduce interbank borrowing costs, encouraging banks to lend more to underserved areas (e.g., rural agriculture). Turnover decline isn't alarming—it's typical post-injection stabilization—and reflects ample reserves (reserve money M0 up 24.5% y-o-y). This ties into the document's emphasis on personal loans (36% of credit) for MSMEs, fostering inclusive growth amid 5.5% unemployment.
Broader Economic Resilience: In a global context of elevated policy uncertainty (Chart 1.1a), Tanzania's liquid IBCM buffers shocks like food price volatility (unprocessed food drove 0.2 ppt inflation rise). Recent Reuters reports (October 2025) note this liquidity helped absorb El Niño impacts on harvests, maintaining food stocks at NFRA.
Maturity
August 2025 Rate
Implication for Development
Overnight
6.15%
Quick liquidity access aids daily trade flows, supporting 29.2% credit growth in commerce.
7-Day (60% of deals)
6.52%
Aligns with CBR, enabling sustained investment in mining/tourism exports (up per document).
These financial market dynamics imply a virtuous cycle for Tanzania's development: ample liquidity lowers costs, boosts credit and investment, and sustains 6%+ growth while keeping inflation anchored. The document's projections (stable inflation, moderate oil prices) reinforce this, with fiscal borrowing financing pro-growth spending without derailing stability. Compared to EAC peers (e.g., Kenya's higher 7-8% yields amid debt concerns), Tanzania's metrics highlight relative strength.
However, watchpoints include managing debt buildup (aim for <50% GDP) and external risks like fertilizer price spikes (elevated per Chart 1.5), which could hit agriculture (28% of GDP). The IMF's October 2025 Regional Economic Outlook praises Tanzania's policy mix but urges digital financial reforms to deepen IBCM participation. If trends hold, expect Q4 2025 growth to exceed estimates, potentially hitting 6.8% annually.