The Bank of Tanzania’s August 2025 review shows that government domestic debt stood at TZS 35,351.4 billion in July 2025, a slight decline of 0.4% from June’s TZS 35,502.8 billion, mainly due to reduced overdraft use. The debt structure remains dominated by Treasury bonds (79.7%), reflecting a preference for long-term financing. By creditor category, commercial banks (28.8%) and pension funds (26.4%) together held more than half of the stock, while the Bank of Tanzania accounted for 19.2%. Other contributors included public institutions, firms, and individuals (18.3%), insurance companies (5.1%), and BoT’s special funds (2.2%). This composition highlights the critical role of institutional investors in supporting government financing while aligning with fiscal consolidation efforts that produced a budget surplus of TZS 403.4 billion in June 2025.
1. Government Domestic Debt Stock (July 2025)
Total stock: TZS 35,351.4 billion.
Slight decline from TZS 35,502.8 billion in June 2025 (–0.4%), mainly due to reduced overdraft use.
Debt remains dominated by Treasury bonds (79.7%) and commercial banks/pension funds as key creditors.
2. Government Domestic Debt by Creditor (July 2025)
Commercial Banks:TZS 10,176.3 billion (28.8% of total).
Pension Funds:TZS 9,328.8 billion (26.4%).
Bank of Tanzania (BoT):TZS 6,799.3 billion (19.2%).
Other Creditors (public institutions, private companies, individuals):TZS 6,461.3 billion (18.3%).
Insurance Companies:TZS 1,808.4 billion (5.1%).
BoT’s Special Funds:TZS 777.3 billion (2.2%).
Table: Government Domestic Debt by Creditor Category (July 2025)
Creditor Category
Amount (TZS Billion)
Share (%)
Commercial Banks
10,176.3
28.8
Pension Funds
9,328.8
26.4
Bank of Tanzania (BoT)
6,799.3
19.2
Other Creditors
6,461.3
18.3
Insurance Companies
1,808.4
5.1
BoT’s Special Funds
777.3
2.2
Total
35,351.4
100
Economic Implications of Government Domestic Debt – July 2025
1. Government Domestic Debt Stock (July 2025)
Slight Decline: The total domestic debt stock fell to TZS 35,351.4 billion from TZS 35,502.8 billion in June 2025 (–0.4%), primarily due to reduced overdraft use.
Economic Meaning: The modest decline suggests improved fiscal management, supported by the June 2025 budget surplus (TZS 403.4 billion), reducing reliance on short-term borrowing like overdrafts. The dominance of Treasury bonds (79.7%) indicates a shift toward longer-term financing, aligning with lower yields (e.g., 10-year bond yield at 13.74%) and investor preference for stability. This supports the BOT’s liquidity management (TZS 758.8 billion in reverse repos) and the government’s ability to fund development (TZS 909.4 billion) without crowding out private credit. However, the high stock (TZS 35,351.4 billion, or ~25% of GDP per IMF estimates) signals ongoing debt dependency, necessitating sustained revenue growth (tax revenue at TZS 3,108.7 billion).
2. Government Domestic Debt by Creditor (July 2025)
Creditor Breakdown: Commercial banks hold TZS 10,176.3 billion (28.8%), pension funds TZS 9,328.8 billion (26.4%), BOT TZS 6,799.3 billion (19.2%), other creditors TZS 6,461.3 billion (18.3%), insurance companies TZS 1,808.4 billion (5.1%), and BOT’s special funds TZS 777.3 billion (2.2%).
Economic Implications:
Commercial Banks and Pension Funds (55.2%): The combined 55.2% share reflects strong institutional support, providing stable, long-term funding via Treasury bonds. This supports government spending (e.g., transport at 28.6% of external debt use) but ties bank liquidity to public debt, potentially limiting private lending unless offset by BOT’s accommodative stance (CBR 5.75%).
BOT’s Role (19.2%): The BOT’s significant holding indicates its role in monetary financing, stabilizing markets during liquidity shortages (e.g., interbank turnover at TZS 3,746 billion). This aligns with reverse repo operations but risks inflation if overextended, though current stability (3.3%) mitigates this.
Other Creditors (18.3%): Growing participation from public institutions, firms, and individuals diversifies the creditor base, reducing banking sector concentration risk. This broadens domestic investment, supporting the shilling’s stability (TZS 2,666.79/USD).
Insurance and Special Funds (7.3%): Smaller shares suggest limited alternative funding, highlighting reliance on traditional creditors, though this could grow with financial sector deepening.
Summary of Broader Economic Significance
Fiscal and Monetary Alignment: The slight debt reduction and surplus (TZS 403.4 billion) reflect effective fiscal consolidation, complemented by monetary easing (CBR cut), reducing domestic borrowing pressure and supporting growth (6% GDP projection). The bond dominance (79.7%) ensures predictable debt servicing, aided by stable yields (e.g., 8.13% for Treasury bills).
Liquidity and Stability: BOT’s 19.2% holding and reverse repos (TZS 758.8 billion) enhance liquidity, while the 55.2% bank-pension share provides a stable funding base. This supports private credit expansion (15.9%) and export resilience (USD 9,479.4 million).
Risks and Opportunities: Concentration in banks and pension funds (55.2%) poses risks if these sectors face shocks (e.g., global trade uncertainties), but diversification via other creditors (18.3%) mitigates this. The high debt stock (TZS 35,351.4 billion) requires sustained tax performance (107.8% of target) to avoid crowding out effects.
Comparative Context: Compared to 2024 (TZS 34,890 billion), the slight decline aligns with regional trends (e.g., Kenya’s domestic debt stabilization), positioning Tanzania favorably amid global commodity stability (oil at USD 69.2/barrel).
The Bank of Tanzania’s August 2025 review shows that lending and deposit rates continued to adjust in response to the accommodative monetary policy stance. Lending rates eased slightly, with the overall rate at 15.16% in July 2025 (down from 15.23% in June), while short-term lending declined to 15.51% and negotiated prime customer loans to 12.56%. On the deposit side, rates for time deposits increased modestly, with the 12-month rate reaching 9.88%, while negotiated deposits for large savers fell to 10.72%. The spread between short-term lending and deposit rates narrowed to 5.63 percentage points from 6.66 points a year earlier, signaling lower borrowing costs relative to savings returns and supporting private sector credit growth of 15.9% annually.
1. Lending Interest Rates
Overall lending rate:
15.16% in July 2025, slightly lower than 15.23% in June 2025.
Short-term lending rate (≤ 1 year):
15.51% in July 2025, down from 15.69% in June 2025.
Negotiated lending rate (prime customers):
12.56% in July 2025, down from 12.68% in June 2025.
Trend: Lending rates are easing slightly, reflecting improved liquidity and accommodative monetary policy (CBR cut to 5.75%).
2. Deposit Interest Rates
Overall deposit rate:
8.83% in July 2025, up from 8.74% in June 2025.
12-month deposit rate:
9.88% in July 2025, up from 9.79% in June 2025.
Negotiated deposit rate (large depositors):
10.72% in July 2025, down from 11.21% in June 2025.
Savings deposit rate:
2.90%, unchanged from June 2025.
Trend: Deposit rates have been slightly increasing for time deposits, but declining for large negotiated deposits.
3. Interest Rate Spread
The spread between short-term lending and deposit rates narrowed to 5.63 percentage points in July 2025, compared to 6.66 percentage points in July 2024.
This indicates reduced borrowing costs relative to deposit returns, which can stimulate credit growth.
Table: Lending and Deposit Interest Rates (July 2025)
Category
June 2025 (%)
July 2025 (%)
Change
Lending Rates
Overall Lending Rate
15.23
15.16
-0.07
Short-Term Lending Rate (≤ 1 yr)
15.69
15.51
-0.18
Negotiated Lending Rate
12.68
12.56
-0.12
Deposit Rates
Overall Deposit Rate
8.74
8.83
+0.09
12-Month Deposit Rate
9.79
9.88
+0.09
Negotiated Deposit Rate
11.21
10.72
-0.49
Savings Deposit Rate
2.90
2.90
0.00
Interest Rate Spread
—
5.63 (vs. 6.66 in 2024)
Narrowed
Economic Implications of Lending and Deposit Interest Rates – July 2025
1. Lending Interest Rates
Slight Decline: The overall lending rate eased to 15.16% from 15.23%, short-term rates (≤ 1 year) dropped to 15.51% from 15.69%, and negotiated rates for prime customers fell to 12.56% from 12.68%.
Economic Meaning: This modest reduction aligns with the BOT's CBR cut and improved liquidity (e.g., TZS 758.8 billion in reverse repo operations), lowering borrowing costs for businesses and households. The decline, though small, signals policy transmission, encouraging investment and consumption—key drivers of Tanzania's projected 6% GDP growth. Lower short-term rates (15.51%) support working capital needs, while the negotiated rate drop (12.56%) benefits creditworthy firms, potentially boosting sectors like agriculture and manufacturing (supported by food stock increases to 485,930.4 tonnes). However, rates remain high relative to inflation (3.3%), suggesting banks are cautious about risk, possibly due to lingering global uncertainties noted in the global section.
2. Deposit Interest Rates
Mixed Trends: The overall deposit rate rose to 8.83% from 8.74%, with the 12-month rate increasing to 9.88% from 9.79%, while the negotiated rate for large depositors fell to 10.72% from 11.21%, and savings rates stayed at 2.90%.
Economic Meaning: The rise in time deposit rates (e.g., 9.88% for 12 months) reflects banks' efforts to attract longer-term savings amid robust M3 growth (19.9%), ensuring liquidity for lending. This competition for funds supports financial deepening, aligning with Tanzania's goal of mobilizing domestic resources (e.g., savings up 18.7% annually). The decline in negotiated rates (10.72%) for large depositors suggests banks are adjusting terms for institutional clients, possibly to manage excess liquidity. Stable savings rates (2.90%) indicate limited incentives for short-term savings, directing funds toward higher-yield investments or consumption, which could fuel demand-led growth.
3. Interest Rate Spread
Narrowing Gap: The spread between short-term lending and deposit rates narrowed to 5.63 percentage points in July 2025 from 6.66 points in July 2024, reflecting a more balanced cost-benefit for borrowers.
Economic Significance: A shrinking spread (from 6.66% to 5.63%) enhances borrowing affordability, stimulating credit demand (e.g., private sector credit at 15.9%). This supports the BOT's growth objective, as lower relative borrowing costs can spur business expansion and job creation. However, the spread remains wide compared to advanced economies (typically 2-3%), indicating banks are still prioritizing profitability, possibly due to high operational costs or non-performing loans. This could limit the pace of credit growth unless offset by further policy easing.
Summary of Broader Economic Significance
Growth and Investment Boost: The easing lending rates and narrowing spread create a more favorable borrowing environment, supporting the BOT's credit growth target (15.9% achieved) and aligning with GDP growth projections. Rising deposit rates for time deposits enhance savings mobilization, providing a stable funding base for banks.
Policy Effectiveness: The trends reflect successful monetary policy transmission, with the CBR cut and liquidity injections (e.g., reverse repos) influencing rates, though the high base rates suggest room for further easing to match inflation.
Potential Challenges: High lending rates (above 15%) could deter small borrowers, while the mixed deposit rate trends might signal uneven liquidity management. In a regional context (e.g., EAC inflation within 8%), Tanzania's rate dynamics support stability but require monitoring to avoid overheating risks.
Comparative Insight: Compared to 2024's wider spreads (6.66%), the 2025 narrowing aligns with global easing trends (e.g., stable oil at USD 69.2/barrel), positioning Tanzania favorably for investment inflows.
The Bank of Tanzania’s August 2025 Monthly Economic Review shows that the financial market remained highly liquid in July 2025, supported by the recent reduction of the Central Bank Rate (CBR) to 5.75%. Government securities were in strong demand, with Treasury bill auctions oversubscribed nearly threefold (TZS 452.1 billion bids vs. TZS 162.0 billion offered) and a decline in the weighted average yield to 8.13% from 8.89% in June. In the bond market, investor preference shifted toward longer maturities, with the 10-year bond oversubscribed at a yield of 13.74%, while shorter tenors recorded slight yield increases. Meanwhile, interbank cash market (IBCM) activity surged, with turnover rising by 30% to TZS 3,746 billion, dominated by 7-day deals, while the average rate eased to 6.62% (from 7.93%), reflecting improved banking sector liquidity and effective monetary policy transmission.
1. Government Securities Market
In July 2025, the Bank of Tanzania conducted two Treasury bill auctions with a total offer of TZS 162.0 billion.
Bids received: TZS 452.1 billion
Successful bids: TZS 158.9 billion
Weighted Average Yield (WAY): 8.13% (down from 8.89% in June 2025).
Treasury Bonds:
Auctions for 2-, 5-, and 10-year bonds were held.
Tender sizes:
2-year: TZS 117.05 billion
5-year: TZS 136.2 billion
10-year: TZS 162.8 billion
Bids received: TZS 396.4 billion, of which TZS 351.9 billion were accepted.
Yields:
2-year: 12.17% (slight increase)
5-year: 13.18% (slight increase)
10-year: 13.74% (slight decrease).
Investor trend: Preference shifted toward longer-term bonds (10-year oversubscribed, while 2- and 5-year were undersubscribed).
2. Interbank Cash Market (IBCM)
The IBCM continued to play a role in liquidity management.
Turnover in July 2025:TZS 3,746 billion (up from TZS 2,873.9 billion in June 2025).
Structure of transactions:
7-day deals dominated: 65.9% of total turnover.
Interest rates:
Overall IBCM rate eased to 6.62% (down from 7.93% in June 2025).
Within the Central Bank Rate (CBR) corridor of 3.75% – 7.75%.
Table 1: Treasury Bills Auction (July 2025)
Indicator
Amount / Rate
Amount Offered
TZS 162.0 billion
Bids Received
TZS 452.1 billion
Successful Bids
TZS 158.9 billion
Oversubscription Ratio
2.8x
Weighted Average Yield (WAY)
8.13% (vs. 8.89% in Jun 2025)
Table 2: Treasury Bonds Auctions (July 2025)
Bond Tenor
Tender Size (TZS Billion)
Bids Received (TZS Billion)
Accepted (TZS Billion)
Yield (%)
Investor Demand
2-Year
117.05
12.17 ↑
Undersubscribed
5-Year
136.20
13.18 ↑
Undersubscribed
10-Year
162.80
13.74 ↓
Oversubscribed
Total
416.05
396.4
351.9
—
Strong demand
(Arrows indicate direction vs. June 2025 yields)
Table 3: Interbank Cash Market (IBCM), July 2025
Indicator
June 2025
July 2025
Change
Total Turnover (TZS Billion)
2,873.9
3,746.0
+30%
Dominant Deal Type
7-day (≈66%)
7-day (65.9%)
—
Overall IBCM Rate (%)
7.93
6.62
-1.31
Policy Corridor (CBR range)
3.75% – 7.75%
3.75% – 7.75%
—
Economic Implications of the Financial Market Data (Government Securities and IBCM)
1. Government Securities Market
Government securities (Treasury bills and bonds) are key tools for the BOT and government to manage liquidity, finance budgets, and signal interest rate expectations. The July 2025 data shows strong demand overall, but with nuanced shifts in investor preferences.
Treasury Bills (Short-Term Securities):
Oversubscription and Yield Decline: The auctions offered TZS 162.0 billion but attracted TZS 452.1 billion in bids (nearly 2.8x oversubscribed), with only TZS 158.9 billion accepted (about 35% of bids). The weighted average yield (WAY) fell to 8.13% from 8.89% in June.
Economic Meaning: This indicates abundant liquidity in the banking system, as investors (primarily banks and institutional players) are eager to park excess funds in safe, short-term assets. The yield drop reflects the BOT's accommodative policy transmitting to lower short-term borrowing costs for the government. Economically, it signals:
Lower Government Financing Costs: Cheaper short-term debt helps ease fiscal pressure, allowing more budget allocation to growth-oriented spending (e.g., infrastructure, as noted in the document's budgetary operations section).
Stimulus to Credit and Growth: With yields falling, banks may redirect funds toward private sector lending, aligning with the BOT's goal of boosting credit growth (which was at 15.9% annually in July). This could support sectors like agriculture and manufacturing, contributing to GDP expansion.
Potential Risks: Persistent oversubscription might hint at risk aversion if investors prefer safe assets over riskier loans, though the document's strong money supply growth (19.9% for M3) suggests otherwise.
Treasury Bonds (Medium- to Long-Term Securities):
Auction Details and Yield Movements: Tender sizes were TZS 117.05 billion (2-year), TZS 136.2 billion (5-year), and TZS 162.8 billion (10-year). Total bids reached TZS 396.4 billion (oversubscribed overall), with TZS 351.9 billion accepted. Yields rose slightly for 2-year (to 12.17%) and 5-year (to 13.18%) bonds but eased for 10-year (to 13.74%).
Investor Shift to Longer Tenors: The 10-year bond was oversubscribed, while shorter ones were undersubscribed, showing a preference for long-term instruments.
Economic Meaning: This points to evolving investor confidence and expectations of future rates.
Yield Curve Dynamics: The slight increase in short- to medium-term yields contrasted with a dip in long-term yields suggests a flattening yield curve. Investors may anticipate further policy easing (e.g., more CBR cuts) or stable inflation, making long-term bonds attractive for locking in returns. This reflects optimism about Tanzania's medium-term economic stability, supported by the document's notes on resilient global conditions and domestic inflation within the 3-5% target.
Confidence in Long-Term Outlook: The shift to 10-year bonds indicates reduced perceived long-term risks, possibly due to improving external factors (e.g., stable commodity prices like oil at USD 69.2/barrel) and strong export performance. It could lower the government's overall debt servicing costs over time, freeing resources for development (as seen in the document's external sector improvements).
Fiscal and Growth Implications: Higher acceptance rates (89% of bids) help fund budgetary operations without crowding out private credit. However, undersubscription in shorter bonds might signal caution on near-term liquidity or inflation risks from food price upticks (e.g., rice and millet, as detailed in the inflation section).
Overall, for Government Securities:
Broad Implications: The market's robustness (high bids, easing yields) underscores effective monetary policy transmission, fostering lower interest rates economy-wide. This supports the BOT's dual mandate of price stability and growth, potentially reducing the cost of capital for businesses and households. From a macroeconomic perspective, it aligns with Tanzania's 2025 growth projections (around 6.5% per IMF estimates), driven by mining, tourism, and agriculture. However, if yields continue falling too sharply, it could encourage speculative borrowing or pressure the shilling (though it remained stable at TZS 2,666.79/USD).
2. Interbank Cash Market (IBCM)
The IBCM is a short-term lending market among banks, crucial for liquidity management and transmitting BOT policy signals. It operates within the CBR corridor (3.75%-7.75% in July).
Increased Turnover and Easing Rates: Turnover rose ~30% to TZS 3,746 billion from TZS 2,873.9 billion in June, with 7-day deals dominating (65.9%). The overall rate eased to 6.62% from 7.93%.
Economic Meaning: This reflects improved liquidity conditions in the banking sector, directly tied to the BOT's reverse repo operations (TZS 758.8 billion injected in July, per the document).
Ample Liquidity and Policy Effectiveness: Higher turnover and lower rates indicate banks have excess reserves to lend, reducing borrowing pressures. The rate staying within the corridor shows the BOT's success in steering short-term rates toward the CBR, promoting stability.
Boost to Banking and Credit: Easier interbank lending lowers funding costs for banks, which can pass savings to customers via cheaper loans. This complements the document's noted private sector credit growth (15.9%), potentially accelerating investment in key sectors.
Growth Support Amid Easing: The ~1.3% rate drop signals a loosening environment, encouraging economic activity without stoking inflation (which remained stable due to offsetting food and energy dynamics). It could help mitigate global risks like trade uncertainties (highlighted in the global section).
Summary of Broader Economic Significance
Positive for Growth and Stability: The data portrays an easing financial environment, with lower yields and rates fostering cheaper credit, higher investment, and fiscal flexibility. This is consistent with the BOT's strategy to counter subdued global demand while maintaining inflation targets, potentially supporting Tanzania's 2025 GDP growth amid resilient exports (e.g., gold and cash crops).
Liquidity-Driven Trends: Strong demand and easing conditions stem from policy measures like the CBR cut and reverse repos, indicating effective liquidity management. Investors' long-term preference suggests confidence in sustained recovery.
Potential Challenges: While beneficial, excessive liquidity could lead to asset price inflation or currency depreciation if not monitored. The document's emphasis on stable commodity prices and external improvements mitigates this, but ongoing vigilance is key.
Comparative Context: Compared to regional peers (e.g., EAC inflation within 8% benchmark), Tanzania's markets appear more liquid and investor-friendly, enhancing its attractiveness for foreign inflows.
As of June 2025, the Tanzania Shilling (TZS) depreciated by 9.6% year-on-year against the US dollar, from 2,345.38 (June 2024) to 2,569.46, reflecting sustained import demand, foreign currency shortages, and global USD strength. Despite this, the monthly change was only -0.2%, signaling short-term exchange rate stability. The Bureau de Change market showed a tight spread (Buy: 2,574.33 / Sell: 2,582.67), reinforcing retail-level confidence. The Shilling also weakened against other major currencies: EUR (-10.4%), GBP (-9.7%), CNY (-10.2%), and JPY (-10.3%). Meanwhile, BoT interventions (e.g., USD 7 million in January) and robust foreign reserves (USD 5.3 billion, 4.3 months import cover) helped maintain market orderliness. However, strong imports (e.g., Zanzibar: USD 459.5 million, driven by infrastructure goods) and falling exports (e.g., cloves: -27.2%) kept pressure on the TZS. To counter depreciation risks, policy must focus on export diversification, import substitution, and regional trade resilience.
1. Overview: Exchange Rate Performance (as of June 2025)
The Tanzanian Shilling’s exchange rate performance reflects its value against major currencies in the Interbank Foreign Exchange Market (IFEM) and Bureau de Change markets, influenced by domestic and global economic factors.
Official Market (IFEM):
USD/TZS Rate:
June 2024: 2,345.38
May 2025: 2,565.08
June 2025: 2,569.46
12-Month Change: -9.6% (depreciation, i.e., more TZS per USD).
Monthly Change: -0.2% from May 2025 (2,565.08 to 2,569.46), indicating relative short-term stability.
Context: The 9.6% year-on-year depreciation aligns with earlier trends, such as a 9% depreciation in 2024 and an 8% depreciation in 2023. However, the TZS showed signs of stabilization in late 2024, with a slight appreciation of 0.28% in October 2024 and a 2.6% annual appreciation by January 2025, driven by improved export inflows (e.g., gold, cashew nuts, tourism). The June 2025 depreciation reflects renewed pressures from import demand and global USD strength.
Drivers:
Strong Import Demand: Imports of goods rose to USD 459.5 million in Zanzibar alone, driven by capital goods (USD 222.5 million) for infrastructure projects like the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and port expansions. Mainland Tanzania’s imports also increased, with capital and intermediate goods dominating.
Lower-than-Expected Forex Inflows: Goods exports in Zanzibar fell to USD 150.3 million (-11.9%), particularly cloves (-27.2%). While Mainland Tanzania’s exports grew 16.8% to USD 16.7 billion by April 2025, inflows from gold (USD 3,369.7 million) and tourism (USD 6,948.2 million) were insufficient to offset import pressures.
Global USD Strengthening: The USD appreciated globally due to U.S. monetary tightening and demand for USD-denominated assets, impacting emerging market currencies like the TZS.
Stability Assessment: Despite the 9.6% depreciation, the TZS remained “orderly and market-driven,” with no sharp volatility, as noted in the BoT review. BoT interventions, such as selling USD 7 million in January 2025, and robust reserves (USD 5,307.7 million, 4.3 months of import cover) supported stability.
Bureau de Change Market:
June 2025 Rates:
Buying Rate: 2,574.33 TZS/USD
Selling Rate: 2,582.67 TZS/USD
Context: The narrow spread (0.3%) between buying and selling rates indicates a liquid and stable retail market, consistent with earlier data (e.g., 2,454.04 TZS/USD in January 2025). The slightly higher Bureau rates compared to IFEM (2,569.46) reflect retail markups but align with market-driven pricing.
Implications: The stable Bureau market supports confidence in the TZS for domestic transactions, with only 3.2% of Mainland businesses and 4.5% in Zanzibar quoting in USD, indicating low dollarization.
Interpretation:
The 9.6% depreciation reflects structural pressures from import reliance and global USD strength, but short-term stability (-0.2% monthly change) and BoT interventions mitigate volatility.
The TZS’s performance aligns with regional trends, where currencies like Kenya’s Shilling (9% depreciation in 2024) faced similar pressures, though Tanzania’s stability is notable compared to Burundi’s significant depreciation.
Policy measures, including export promotion and reserve management, are critical to manage depreciation pressures.
2. Other Currency Exchange Rates (June 2025)
The TZS’s performance against other major currencies provides a broader view of its depreciation trend.
Exchange Rates (June 2025):
Currency
TZS per Unit
% Change (Y-o-Y)
USD
2,569.46
-9.6%
EUR
2,763.91
-10.4%
GBP
3,248.65
-9.7%
JPY (100 units)
1,617.18
-10.3%
CNY
353.77
-10.2%
Context:
EUR/TZS: The 10.4% depreciation is slightly higher than USD/TZS, reflecting Eurozone economic resilience and demand for EUR-denominated assets. In April 2023, EUR/TZS was 2,549.80, indicating a gradual weakening.
GBP/TZS: The 9.7% depreciation aligns with USD trends, with GBP/TZS at 2,876.45 in April 2023, showing consistent TZS weakening.
JPY/TZS: The 10.3% depreciation reflects Japan’s monetary policy shifts, with JPY/TZS not detailed in earlier reports but consistent with global trends.
CNY/TZS: The 10.2% depreciation aligns with China’s economic slowdown and reduced demand for TZS in bilateral trade, compared to 334.23 CNY/TZS in April 2023.
Estimated June 2024 Rates (based on Y-o-Y changes):
EUR: ~2,503 TZS (from summary table).
GBP: ~2,961 TZS.
CNY: ~320.9 TZS.
Regional Comparison: The TZS’s broad-based depreciation contrasts with Rwanda’s Franc appreciation and Uganda’s Shilling stability (2020–2023), highlighting Tanzania’s import-driven pressures.
Drivers:
Global Currency Strength: Major currencies appreciated due to tighter monetary policies in the U.S., Eurozone, and Japan, increasing demand for USD, EUR, and GBP.
Trade Dynamics: Tanzania’s trade with China (6.3% of external debt in CNY) and Europe (16.1% in EUR) increased TZS demand for imports, weakening the currency.
Export Shortfalls: Zanzibar’s clove exports fell 27.2% to USD 66.4 million, and while Mainland exports grew, they couldn’t fully offset import costs.
Implications:
The broad-based depreciation (-9.6% to -10.4%) indicates systemic pressures rather than USD-specific factors, impacting import costs (e.g., petroleum, machinery).
The TZS’s stability against regional currencies (e.g., Kenyan Shilling) supports Tanzania’s competitiveness in East African trade, but global depreciation raises debt servicing costs (68.1% USD-denominated debt).
3. Forex Market Activity
Forex market activity in the IFEM reflects demand and supply dynamics for foreign exchange, influencing TZS stability.
Interbank Foreign Exchange Market (IFEM):
Transaction Volume (June 2025): USD 65.4 million.
Change: +12.6% from USD 58.1 million in May 2025.
Year-on-Year: Compared to USD 16.3 million in January 2025 and USD 95.7 million in December 2024, June 2025’s volume indicates seasonal peaks, likely tied to trade settlements and imports.
Context: Increased volume reflects heightened demand for USD, driven by:
Trade Settlements: Imports of capital goods (USD 222.5 million in Zanzibar) and consumer goods for Q2 2025 trade.
BoT Interventions: The BoT sold USD 7 million in January 2025 to stabilize the TZS, and similar interventions likely occurred in June 2025, given the orderly market noted in the review.
Implications:
The 12.6% volume increase signals robust market activity but also pressure on the TZS, as higher USD demand drives depreciation.
BoT’s reserve management (USD 5,307.7 million) and interventions ensure stability, but sustained import demand requires export growth to balance forex flows.
The liquid IFEM and Bureau markets support confidence, with no evidence of dollarization (only 0.1% of Mainland businesses prefer USD payments).
Summary Table: TZS Exchange Rate Trends
Item
June 2024
June 2025
% Change
USD/TZS (official)
2,345.38
2,569.46
-9.6%
EUR/TZS
~2,503
2,763.91
-10.4%
GBP/TZS
~2,961
3,248.65
-9.7%
CNY/TZS
~320.9
353.77
-10.2%
Key Insights and Policy Implications
Moderate Depreciation:
The TZS’s 9.6% depreciation against the USD and 9.7%–10.4% against other currencies reflects structural import reliance and global USD strength. However, the -0.2% monthly change from May to June 2025 indicates short-term stability, supported by BoT interventions.
Policy: Enhance export diversification (e.g., seafood, manufactured goods) to boost forex inflows, as per Zanzibar’s USD 2 billion plan. Leverage AfCFTA to expand markets.
Market Stability:
The orderly, market-driven TZS performance, with no sharp volatility, aligns with earlier stabilization (e.g., 0.28% appreciation in October 2024). Robust reserves (USD 5,307.7 million) and a liquid IFEM (USD 65.4 million volume) support confidence.
Policy: Continue BoT interventions (e.g., USD sales) and reserve accumulation to manage seasonal pressures, as seen in January 2025.
Import-Driven Pressures:
Strong import demand (USD 459.5 million in Zanzibar, Mainland capital goods) outpaced export growth, driving depreciation. Zanzibar’s 27.2% clove export drop exacerbated pressures.
Policy: Promote import substitution (e.g., local manufacturing) and agricultural productivity to reduce reliance on imported goods, aligning with Vision 2050.
Global and Regional Context:
The TZS’s depreciation mirrors regional trends (e.g., Kenya’s 9% depreciation in 2024), but Tanzania’s stability contrasts with Burundi’s significant depreciation. Global USD strength, driven by U.S. policy, impacts emerging markets broadly.
Policy: Strengthen trade ties with EAC partners (e.g., Rwanda, Uganda) to stabilize TZS against regional currencies.
Economic Impacts:
Debt Servicing: With 68.1% of external debt in USD (USD 33,905.1 million), depreciation raises servicing costs, absorbing ~40% of government expenditures.
Inflation: Depreciation contributed to Zanzibar’s 3.4% inflation (June 2025) and Mainland’s 3.2% (May 2025), driven by imported goods like petroleum.
Policy: Maintain the 6% Central Bank Rate to control inflation (3%–4% target in 2025) and explore debt restructuring to ease USD pressures.
Economic Context:
GDP Growth: Tanzania’s 5.6% growth in 2024 and projected 6% in 2025 support export performance, driven by tourism (2.2 million arrivals) and infrastructure.
Reserves: USD 5,307.7 million (4.3 months of import cover) provide a buffer against volatility, up from USD 5,323.6 million in January 2025.
Risks: Global commodity price volatility, USD strength, and election-related uncertainties (October 2025) pose risks to TZS stability.
Opportunities: Tourism receipts (USD 6,948.2 million), FDI (USD 3.7 billion in 2025), and IMF disbursements (USD 148.6 million in 2024) support forex inflows.
In June 2025, Tanzania’s government securities market demonstrated strong investor confidence, with TZS 1.23 trillion in bids received for Treasury bonds—nearly double the TZS 638.7 billion on offer—indicating a 93% oversubscription rate. The BoT selectively accepted TZS 322.4 billion to manage borrowing costs, with yields of 14.50% for 20-year bonds and 14.80% for 25-year bonds, reflecting inflation expectations and long-term risk premiums. Notably, no Treasury bills were issued, signaling the government’s strong cash position and preference for long-term financing. Meanwhile, the interbank cash market (IBCM) remained active and stable, with TZS 2.87 trillion in transactions—up 125% year-on-year—and a marginally lower average rate of 7.93%, indicating healthy liquidity and effective monetary policy transmission by the BoT.
Government Securities Market and the Interbank Cash Market June
1. Government Securities Market
The Government Securities Market in Tanzania serves as a cornerstone for domestic financing, allowing the government to raise funds for budgetary needs while providing investors with secure, long-term investment opportunities. The market primarily consists of Treasury bonds (long-term securities) and Treasury bills (short-term securities). In June 2025, the market dynamics reflected strategic fiscal management and strong investor confidence.
Treasury Bonds
Treasury bonds are long-term debt instruments issued by the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) on behalf of the government to finance fiscal deficits and infrastructure projects. The bonds are typically offered with maturities ranging from 2 to 25 years, and their yields are influenced by market demand, inflation expectations, and monetary policy conditions.
June 2025 Auctions:
The BoT conducted auctions for 20-year and 25-year Treasury bonds, reflecting a focus on long-term financing to support infrastructure and development projects under the FY 2024/25 budget.
Total tenders received: TZS 1,232.9 billion, indicating robust investor interest.
Accepted bids: TZS 322.4 billion, showing selective acceptance to manage borrowing costs and align with fiscal targets.
Amount offered: TZS 638.7 billion, meaning the auctions were oversubscribed (tenders exceeded the offered amount by approximately 93%). This oversubscription highlights strong investor confidence in Tanzania’s fiscal stability and the attractiveness of long-term government securities.
Yields:
20-year bond: 14.50%, reflecting a competitive return for long-term investors amid prevailing economic conditions.
25-year bond: 14.80%, slightly higher due to the longer maturity and associated risks, such as inflation and interest rate volatility over an extended period.
Context and Insights:
The high oversubscription rate suggests that institutional investors, such as pension funds, insurance companies, and commercial banks, view Treasury bonds as safe and lucrative investments. This is likely driven by Tanzania’s stable macroeconomic environment and the BoT’s credible monetary policy framework.
The yields (14.50% for 20-year and 14.80% for 25-year bonds) are elevated compared to shorter-term securities, reflecting the term premium demanded by investors for locking in funds over extended periods. These yields also align with Tanzania’s inflation trends and the BoT’s efforts to balance borrowing costs with investor expectations.
The focus on long-term bonds indicates a strategic shift toward financing projects with longer gestation periods, such as infrastructure development, which is critical for Tanzania’s economic growth targets under its Development Vision 2025.
Treasury Bills
Treasury bills are short-term securities (typically with maturities of 35, 91, 182, or 364 days) used to manage short-term liquidity needs of the government. Unlike Treasury bonds, no auctions for Treasury bills were held in June 2025.
Reason for No Auctions:
The domestic financing requirement for FY 2024/25 had already been met by June 2025, likely due to successful bond auctions earlier in the fiscal year and prudent fiscal management.
This absence reflects confidence in the government’s cash flow position, reducing the need for short-term borrowing. It also suggests that the government prioritized long-term financing through bonds to avoid frequent rollovers associated with short-term bills.
Context and Insights:
The lack of Treasury bill auctions could indicate that the government met its short-term financing needs through other sources, such as revenue collection or external financing (e.g., concessional loans or grants).
By avoiding short-term borrowing, the BoT may be aiming to reduce refinancing risks and stabilize the yield curve, focusing on longer-term securities to lock in funding at predictable rates.
2. Interbank Cash Market (IBCM)
The Interbank Cash Market (IBCM) is a critical component of Tanzania’s financial system, enabling banks to lend and borrow short-term funds to manage liquidity. It supports monetary policy transmission by ensuring banks have access to liquidity, which influences credit availability and economic activity.
Transactions
Turnover in June 2025: TZS 2,873.9 billion, a significant volume but lower than TZS 3,267 billion in May 2025 (a decrease of approximately 12%). However, it was substantially higher than TZS 1,277.6 billion in June 2024 (a year-on-year increase of 125%).
Dominant Trades:
Overnight placements: Accounted for 37.3% of total volume, reflecting banks’ preference for ultra-short-term liquidity management to meet immediate cash flow needs.
7-day tenors: Contributed 26.5% of total volume, indicating demand for slightly longer liquidity buffers, likely to manage weekly operational cycles.
Context and Insights:
The high turnover (TZS 2,873.9 billion) underscores a vibrant interbank market, where banks actively manage liquidity surpluses and deficits. The year-on-year increase from June 2024 suggests growing confidence in the banking sector and increased economic activity.
The slight decline from May 2025 could be attributed to seasonal factors, such as reduced liquidity needs at the end of the fiscal year, or banks adjusting their portfolios after meeting reserve requirements.
The dominance of overnight and 7-day tenors reflects a cautious approach by banks, prioritizing flexibility in a dynamic economic environment. These short tenors are typical in markets with stable but fluctuating liquidity conditions.
Interest Rates
Overall IBCM rate:
June 2025: 7.93%
May 2025: 7.98%
The marginal decline (0.05 percentage points) indicates a stable liquidity environment, with banks able to access funds at slightly lower costs.
Context and Insights:
The IBCM interest rate is influenced by the BoT’s monetary policy stance, particularly the Central Bank Rate (CBR), which was likely maintained at a level to ensure price stability and support economic growth.
The slight decline in the IBCM rate suggests adequate liquidity in the banking system, reducing competition for interbank funds. This aligns with the BoT’s efforts to maintain a balanced monetary policy, ensuring liquidity without triggering inflationary pressures.
The rate of 7.93% is relatively low compared to Treasury bond yields (14.50%–14.80%), reflecting the lower risk and shorter duration of interbank transactions compared to long-term government securities.
Summary Table
Indicator
June 2024
May 2025
June 2025
Treasury bond auctions held
Yes
Yes
Yes
Treasury bill auctions held
Yes
Yes
None
Total T-bond tenders (TZS)
-
-
1,232.9 billion
Total T-bond accepted (TZS)
-
-
322.4 billion
Yield - 20-year bond
-
-
14.50%
Yield - 25-year bond
-
-
14.80%
IBCM turnover (TZS)
1,277.6 billion
3,267 billion
2,873.9 billion
IBCM interest rate
-
7.98%
7.93%
Insights and Broader Implications
Robust Demand for Government Securities:
The oversubscription of Treasury bond auctions (TZS 1,232.9 billion in tenders vs. TZS 638.7 billion offered) reflects strong investor confidence in Tanzania’s fiscal and monetary policy framework. This demand is likely driven by institutional investors seeking stable, high-yield assets amid global economic uncertainties.
The high yields (14.50% for 20-year and 14.80% for 25-year bonds) indicate that investors are pricing in inflation risks and long-term uncertainties, but the oversubscription suggests these yields are competitive compared to alternative investments.
Fiscal Prudence in Treasury Bill Strategy:
The absence of Treasury bill auctions in June 2025 signals that the government has effectively managed its short-term financing needs, possibly through higher-than-expected revenue collection or earlier borrowing. This reduces rollover risks and borrowing costs, contributing to fiscal sustainability.
The focus on long-term bonds aligns with Tanzania’s development agenda, prioritizing investments in infrastructure and other capital-intensive projects.
Healthy Interbank Market:
The IBCM’s high turnover (TZS 2,873.9 billion) and stable interest rates (7.93%) indicate a well-functioning banking system with adequate liquidity. The dominance of overnight and 7-day tenors suggests banks are managing liquidity efficiently, balancing short-term needs with operational flexibility.
The slight decline in IBCM rates from May to June 2025 reflects a stable monetary environment, supported by the BoT’s effective liquidity management tools, such as open market operations and reserve requirements.
Monetary Policy Transmission:
The active IBCM and stable interest rates facilitate the transmission of the BoT’s monetary policy, ensuring that changes in the policy rate (e.g., CBR) influence lending and borrowing behavior across the economy.
The high turnover in the IBCM compared to June 2024 (125% increase) suggests growing economic activity and banking sector confidence, which supports credit creation and private sector growth.
Economic Context:
Tanzania’s financial markets are operating in a context of steady economic growth, with the BoT projecting GDP growth of around 5.5%–6% for 2025, driven by sectors like agriculture, mining, and infrastructure.
Inflation remains a key consideration, with the BoT targeting a range of 3%–5%. The high bond yields and stable IBCM rates suggest that inflationary pressures are manageable but warrant close monitoring.
Stability in Lending, Competitive Deposit Market, and a Narrowing Spread Signal Sector Efficiency
In June 2025, Tanzania’s banking sector exhibited notable stability and competitiveness. The overall lending rate held steady at 15.23%, slightly up from May, while short-term lending rates eased from 15.96% to 15.69%, reflecting increased liquidity and competition. Deposit rates rose across the board, with the negotiated deposit rate jumping from 10.64% to 11.21%, driven by end-of-year liquidity needs. Importantly, the short-term interest rate spread narrowed to 5.90%, down from 6.49% in June 2024, indicating improved efficiency and a more competitive banking environment benefiting both borrowers and depositors.
1. Lending Interest Rates
Lending interest rates represent the cost of borrowing from commercial banks and are influenced by factors such as the Bank of Tanzania’s (BoT) monetary policy, liquidity conditions, credit risk, and competition in the banking sector. In June 2025, lending rates remained broadly stable, with minor fluctuations reflecting market dynamics.
Key Lending Rates
The following table summarizes the lending rates for May and June 2025, with changes noted:
Type of Lending Rate
May 2025
June 2025
Change
Overall Lending Rate
15.18%
15.23%
↑ +0.05%
Short-Term Lending Rate
15.96%
15.69%
↓ -0.27%
Negotiated Lending Rate
12.99%
12.68%
↓ -0.31%
Overall Lending Rate:
Increased slightly from 15.18% in May 2025 to 15.23% in June 2025 (+0.05 percentage points).
This marginal increase suggests stable credit conditions, with banks maintaining relatively high rates to account for credit risk and operational costs. The stability aligns with the BoT’s monetary policy stance, likely aimed at controlling inflation while supporting economic growth.
Compared to June 2024 (15.30%), the June 2025 rate is slightly lower, indicating a modest easing in borrowing costs over the year, possibly due to improved liquidity or competitive pressures.
Short-Term Lending Rate (loans up to 1 year):
Decreased from 15.96% in May 2025 to 15.69% in June 2025 (-0.27 percentage points).
The decline suggests increased competition among banks for short-term lending, possibly driven by higher liquidity in the banking system or demand for short-term credit from businesses managing working capital needs.
Compared to June 2024 (15.57%), the June 2025 rate is higher, reflecting a temporary tightening in short-term lending conditions earlier in 2025, possibly due to seasonal liquidity demands.
Negotiated Lending Rate:
Decreased from 12.99% in May 2025 to 12.68% in June 2025 (-0.31 percentage points).
Negotiated rates are typically offered to prime customers (e.g., large corporations or low-risk borrowers with strong credit profiles). The decline indicates banks are offering better terms to attract or retain high-quality borrowers, possibly due to competitive pressures or improved borrower creditworthiness.
Compared to June 2024 (12.82%), the June 2025 rate is lower, suggesting a trend toward more favorable conditions for prime borrowers over the year.
Context and Insights:
Stability in Lending Rates: The overall lending rate’s stability (15.23% in June 2025) reflects a balanced monetary policy environment, with the BoT likely maintaining the Central Bank Rate (CBR) at a level to ensure price stability while supporting credit growth. The high rates (relative to deposit rates) indicate that banks are cautious about credit risks, particularly for non-prime borrowers.
Short-Term Lending Dynamics: The decrease in short-term lending rates may be linked to the robust interbank cash market (IBCM) activity, with a turnover of TZS 2,873.9 billion in June 2025 (as noted in the previous query). Higher liquidity in the IBCM, with a slight decline in interest rates (7.93%), likely eased funding costs for banks, enabling them to lower short-term lending rates.
Negotiated Rates and Competition: The decline in negotiated lending rates suggests increased competition among banks to secure high-value clients. This could be driven by Tanzania’s growing private sector, particularly in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and mining, which require significant financing.
Economic Implications: Stable but high lending rates (15.23% overall) may constrain borrowing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are sensitive to borrowing costs. However, the lower negotiated rates benefit larger firms, potentially boosting investment in key sectors.
2. Deposit Interest Rates
Deposit interest rates reflect the returns banks offer to depositors for savings, time deposits, and other accounts. These rates are influenced by liquidity needs, competition for deposits, and the BoT’s monetary policy. In June 2025, deposit rates generally increased, driven by seasonal liquidity demands at the end of the financial year.
Key Deposit Rates
The following table summarizes the deposit rates for May and June 2025, with changes noted:
Type of Deposit Rate
May 2025
June 2025
Change
Overall Time Deposit Rate
8.58%
8.74%
↑ +0.16%
12-Month Deposit Rate
9.72%
9.79%
↑ +0.07%
Negotiated Deposit Rate
10.64%
11.21%
↑ +0.57%
Savings Deposit Rate
2.52%
2.90%
↑ +0.38%
Overall Time Deposit Rate:
Increased from 8.58% in May 2025 to 8.74% in June 2025 (+0.16 percentage points).
This rise reflects banks’ increased demand for funds, likely driven by end-of-financial-year obligations, such as loan disbursements or reserve requirements.
Compared to June 2024 (7.66%), the June 2025 rate is significantly higher, indicating a sustained increase in deposit rates over the year, possibly due to tighter liquidity conditions or higher competition for deposits.
12-Month Deposit Rate:
Increased slightly from 9.72% in May 2025 to 9.79% in June 2025 (+0.07 percentage points).
The modest increase suggests banks are offering slightly better returns to attract longer-term deposits, which provide more stable funding for lending activities.
Compared to June 2024 (9.09%), the June 2025 rate is higher, reflecting a trend toward higher returns for depositors, possibly to compete with alternative investment options like Treasury bonds (yields of 14.50%–14.80% in June 2025).
Negotiated Deposit Rate:
Increased noticeably from 10.64% in May 2025 to 11.21% in June 2025 (+0.57 percentage points).
Negotiated rates are offered to large or institutional depositors (e.g., pension funds, corporations). The significant rise indicates banks’ willingness to pay a premium to secure large deposits, likely to meet liquidity needs or fund lending activities.
Compared to June 2024 (9.86%), the June 2025 rate is much higher, suggesting increased competition for high-value deposits over the year.
Savings Deposit Rate:
Increased from 2.52% in May 2025 to 2.90% in June 2025 (+0.38 percentage points), recovering from a dip in May.
Compared to June 2024 (2.86%), the June 2025 rate is slightly higher, indicating a modest improvement in returns for retail depositors.
The low savings rate reflects the lower risk and liquidity of savings accounts compared to time deposits, but the increase suggests banks are incentivizing retail savings to bolster their deposit base.
Context and Insights:
Seasonal Liquidity Needs: The rise in deposit rates, particularly the negotiated rate (+0.57%), is attributed to seasonal liquidity demands at the end of the financial year (June 2025). Businesses and individuals often settle obligations, increasing banks’ need for funds to meet withdrawal demands or loan disbursements.
Competition for Deposits: The significant increase in negotiated deposit rates suggests banks are competing aggressively for large deposits from institutional clients, who have bargaining power to secure better terms. This could be driven by the high yields on Treasury bonds (14.50%–14.80%), which compete with bank deposits as investment options.
Retail Depositor Trends: The recovery in savings deposit rates (from 2.52% to 2.90%) indicates banks are also targeting retail depositors to diversify their funding sources. However, the low savings rate compared to time deposits reflects the limited bargaining power of retail clients.
Economic Implications: Rising deposit rates encourage savings, which can support bank lending capacity and economic growth. However, higher deposit rates increase banks’ funding costs, which could pressure profit margins unless offset by lending income or operational efficiencies.
3. Interest Rate Spread
The interest rate spread is the difference between lending and deposit rates, typically measured for short-term instruments to reflect banking efficiency and profitability. A narrower spread indicates improved financial intermediation and a more competitive banking environment.
Short-Term Interest Rate Spread:
June 2024: 6.49%
May 2025: 6.24%
June 2025: 5.90%
The spread narrowed by 0.34 percentage points from May to June 2025 and by 0.59 percentage points from June 2024 to June 2025.
Context and Insights:
Calculation: The short-term interest rate spread is derived from the short-term lending rate (15.69% in June 2025) and the 12-month deposit rate (9.79% in June 2025), as these are comparable tenors. The spread is calculated as:
15.69% - 9.79% = 5.90%
Narrowing Spread: The decline in the spread reflects:
Increased Competition: Banks are lowering short-term lending rates (15.69%) and raising deposit rates (9.79%) to attract customers, reducing their profit margins per transaction.
Improved Efficiency: A narrower spread suggests banks are improving financial intermediation, passing on liquidity benefits to borrowers and depositors.
Liquidity Conditions: The robust IBCM turnover (TZS 2,873.9 billion) and lower IBCM rate (7.93%) in June 2025 indicate ample liquidity, enabling banks to offer better terms to borrowers and depositors.
Economic Implications: A narrower spread benefits borrowers by reducing borrowing costs and encourages lending, supporting economic activity. However, it may squeeze bank profitability, prompting banks to seek operational efficiencies or alternative revenue sources.
Summary Table
Indicator
June 2024
May 2025
June 2025
Overall Lending Rate
15.30%
15.18%
15.23%
Short-Term Lending Rate
15.57%
15.96%
15.69%
Negotiated Lending Rate
12.82%
12.99%
12.68%
Overall Time Deposit Rate
7.66%
8.58%
8.74%
12-Month Deposit Rate
9.09%
9.72%
9.79%
Negotiated Deposit Rate
9.86%
10.64%
11.21%
Savings Deposit Rate
2.86%
2.52%
2.90%
Short-Term Interest Rate Spread
6.49%
6.24%
5.90%
Key Insights and Broader Implications
Stable Lending Environment:
The overall lending rate’s stability (15.23% in June 2025) and slight year-on-year decline (from 15.30% in June 2024) suggest that credit risk perceptions have not worsened, despite high rates. This stability supports private sector borrowing, particularly for large firms benefiting from lower negotiated rates (12.68%).
The decrease in short-term lending rates (15.69%) reflects competitive pressures and ample liquidity, as evidenced by the IBCM’s high turnover and lower rates. These benefits businesses seeking working capital loans, supporting sectors like trade and agriculture.
Rising Deposit Rates:
The increase in deposit rates, particularly the negotiated rate (11.21%), reflects banks’ efforts to attract funds to meet liquidity needs at the financial year-end. This aligns with the absence of Treasury bill auctions in June 2025, which may have increased banks’ reliance on deposits for liquidity.
Higher deposit rates encourage savings, strengthening banks’ funding base. However, the low savings deposit rate (2.90%) indicates limited benefits for retail depositors, potentially constraining household savings growth.
Narrowing Interest Rate Spread:
The narrowing spread (5.90% in June 2025) is a positive signal for Tanzania’s banking sector, indicating improved efficiency and competition. This benefits borrowers through lower borrowing costs and depositors through higher returns, fostering financial inclusion and economic activity.
The spread’s decline from 6.49% in June 2024 suggests structural improvements in the banking sector, possibly driven by technological advancements, regulatory reforms, or increased market participation.
Monetary Policy Context:
The BoT’s monetary policy likely played a role in stabilizing lending rates and supporting liquidity, as seen in the IBCM’s performance. The CBR, while not specified, is likely set to balance inflation (targeted at 3%–5%) and growth (projected at 5.5%–6% for 2025).
The rise in deposit rates and narrowing spread suggest the BoT’s liquidity management tools (e.g., open market operations, reserve requirements) are effective in maintaining a stable financial environment.
Economic Implications:
The trends in lending and deposit rates support Tanzania’s economic growth by facilitating credit access and encouraging savings. However, high lending rates (15.23% overall) may limit SME borrowing, a critical driver of employment and growth.
The competitive banking environment, as evidenced by the narrowing spread, could attract more players to the financial sector, enhancing financial inclusion and supporting Tanzania’s Development Vision 2025 goals.
Debt Structure, Shilling and Figures
As of May 2025, Tanzania’s national debt stood at TZS 107.70 trillion, comprising TZS 72.94 trillion in external debt and TZS 34.76 trillion in domestic debt. The external debt stock, equivalent to approximately USD 34.1 billion (using an exchange rate of TZS 2,884.42 per USD from April 2025), was primarily held by multilateral institutions and directed toward key sectors such as transportation (21.5%) and telecommunications. The central government accounted for 78.3% of external debt (USD 26.7 billion), with 67.7% of this debt denominated in US dollars (USD 23.1 billion). Domestic debt, at TZS 34.26 trillion in March 2025, was largely financed by commercial banks (29%) and pension funds (26.5%), with Treasury bonds dominating at 78.2%.
In May 2025, principal repayments on external debt amounted to USD 267 million. Debt servicing costs are significant, with historical data indicating that external debt servicing consumed up to 40% of government expenditures in earlier years. For 2023, total debt service was 2.89% of Gross National Income (GNI), and in 2025, servicing the external debt (at concessional rates) and domestic debt (at 15.5% lending rates) could cost approximately USD 1–2 billion and TZS 5.31 trillion annually, respectively. These costs divert resources from productive investments, potentially straining fiscal space.
Impact on the Tanzania Shilling
The Tanzania Shilling’s stability in May 2025 is supported by several factors related to debt management and economic performance:
Foreign Exchange Reserves: The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) reported foreign exchange reserves of USD 5,360 million in May 2025, covering 4.2 months of imports, which exceeds the national benchmark of 4 months. By March 2025, reserves had increased to USD 5,700 million, covering 3.8 months of imports, indicating sustained adequacy. These reserves provide a buffer against external shocks, reducing pressure on the Shilling and enabling the BoT to meet external debt obligations without significant currency devaluation.
Export Performance: Robust export growth, particularly in gold (24.5% increase) and cashew nuts (141% increase), contributed to a 16.8% rise in exports to USD 16.7 billion in the year ending April 2025. Gold prices, at USD 2,983.25 per ounce in March 2025, further bolstered foreign exchange inflows, supporting the Shilling’s stability.
Fiscal and Monetary Policy: The BoT maintained the Central Bank Rate (CBR) at 6% in April 2025 to safeguard economic stability amid global uncertainties. Prudent fiscal policy, with a fiscal deficit trending toward 3% of GDP, and stringent monetary policy have kept inflation low at 3.2% in May 2025, below the BoT’s 5% target. Low inflation reduces pressure on the Shilling by maintaining purchasing power and stabilizing import costs.
Despite these stabilizing factors, the Shilling experienced a 3.86% annual depreciation against the USD, trading at TZS 2,884.42 per USD in April 2025. This depreciation, though improved from the previous month, reflects pressures from external debt servicing and import demands. The high USD denomination of external debt (67.7%) exacerbates these pressures, as a depreciating Shilling increases the local currency cost of debt servicing by approximately TZS 2.37 trillion for the USD 34.1 billion external debt, based on a 2.6% depreciation rate.
Foreign Exchange Interventions and Their Role
The BoT’s interventions in the Interbank Foreign Exchange Market (IFEM) have been critical to maintaining the Shilling’s stability. In January 2025, the BoT sold USD 7 million to stabilize the exchange rate, preventing excessive depreciation amid a 1.37% month-on-month weakening of the Shilling (from TZS 2,420.84 to TZS 2,454.04 per USD). Similar interventions likely occurred in April and May 2025, as the document notes that seasonal inflows from cash crops and gold exports, combined with BoT actions, mitigated depreciation pressures. However, IFEM transactions declined significantly from USD 95.7 million in December 2024 to USD 16.3 million in January 2025, suggesting reduced market activity, possibly due to lower trade or investor participation.
These interventions, supported by adequate reserves, have ensured short-term stability, with the Shilling appreciating by 2.6% year-on-year from January 2024 to January 2025. The BoT’s ability to intervene is bolstered by improved current account performance, with the deficit narrowing by 31.1% to USD 2,021.5 million in the year ending January 2025, driven by strong export earnings and moderate import growth.
Potential Risks to Long-Term Shilling Stability
The composition of Tanzania’s external debt and reliance on commodity-driven inflows pose several risks to the Shilling’s long-term stability:
High USD Denomination of External Debt: With 67.7% of the USD 34.1 billion external debt denominated in US dollars (USD 23.1 billion), the Shilling is highly exposed to exchange rate fluctuations. A further depreciation, such as the 2.6% observed in 2024, increases debt servicing costs in local currency, potentially requiring the BoT to draw down reserves or increase borrowing, both of which could weaken the Shilling.
Commodity Price Volatility: Tanzania’s foreign exchange inflows heavily depend on gold and agricultural exports (e.g., cashew nuts, coffee). While gold prices were strong at USD 2,983.25 per ounce in March 2025, declines in coffee (-2%) and sugar (-1.5%) prices highlight vulnerability to global commodity market fluctuations. A downturn in gold prices or reduced export demand could strain reserves and pressure the Shilling.
Global Economic Uncertainties: The document highlights risks from global trade tariffs and geopolitical tensions, with the IMF projecting global growth at 2.8% in 2025. Rising global interest rates could increase external borrowing costs, particularly for non-concessional loans, further straining fiscal resources and reserves needed to stabilize the Shilling.
Fiscal Constraints and Crowding-Out Effects: High domestic borrowing (TZS 34.26 trillion) and lending rates (15.5%) crowd out private sector investment, weakening credit growth and economic diversification. This limits the economy’s ability to generate sustainable foreign exchange inflows, increasing reliance on volatile commodity exports and BoT interventions.
Climate and Structural Risks: Climate change could reduce agricultural output, a key export sector, with the World Bank estimating a potential 4% GDP growth reduction by 2050 due to climate impacts. Slow structural transformation and shallow financial markets further constrain Tanzania’s ability to diversify revenue sources, heightening Shilling vulnerability.
Mitigating Factors and Policy Measures
Tanzania’s authorities are implementing measures to mitigate these risks:
Debt Sustainability: The IMF’s Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) classifies Tanzania’s risk of external debt distress as moderate, with public debt at 35% of GDP in 2024, well below the 55% benchmark. Access to concessional financing from multilateral institutions reduces servicing costs compared to commercial loans.
Revenue Mobilization: The government collected TZS 2,441 billion in April 2025, with tax revenue exceeding targets by 1.5% due to improved administration. The proposed TZS 56.49 trillion 2025/26 budget aims to enhance revenue through new taxes and levies, reducing reliance on borrowing.
Export Diversification: Investments in infrastructure (48% of World Bank financing) and sectors like manufacturing and tourism (projected to drive 6% GDP growth in 2025) aim to reduce reliance on commodity exports.
Monetary Policy: The BoT’s 6% CBR and interventions in the IFEM demonstrate proactive management of liquidity and exchange rate stability. Food reserves (587,062 tonnes, with 32,598 tonnes released) help stabilize food prices, supporting low inflation and Shilling stability.
Conclusion
In May 2025, Tanzania’s national debt developments and foreign exchange interventions have supported the Tanzania Shilling’s short-term stability, with reserves of USD 5,360 million (4.2 months of import cover) and export-driven inflows mitigating a 3.86% annual depreciation. BoT interventions in the IFEM, backed by strong gold and cashew nut exports, have prevented sharp fluctuations, maintaining the Shilling at TZS 2,884.42 per USD in April 2025. However, the high USD denomination of external debt (67.7% of USD 34.1 billion), reliance on volatile commodity exports, and global uncertainties pose risks to long-term stability. A potential further depreciation could increase debt servicing costs by TZS 2.37 trillion, straining reserves and fiscal space. Continued prudent fiscal and monetary policies, alongside diversification efforts, are critical to sustaining Shilling stability and supporting Tanzania’s projected 6% GDP growth in 2025.
Table: Key Economic Figures Impacting Tanzania Shilling Stability (May 2025)
Based on 2.89% of GNI (2023) and 15.5% domestic lending rates.
Notes and Explanations
Debt Figures: The total national debt (TZS 107.70 trillion) and its breakdown into external (USD 34.1 billion) and domestic (TZS 34.26 trillion) components reflect Tanzania’s borrowing profile. The high USD denomination (67.7%) of external debt increases vulnerability to exchange rate fluctuations, as a 2.6% depreciation could raise servicing costs by approximately TZS 2.37 trillion (calculated as 2.6% of TZS 72.94 trillion).
Foreign Exchange Reserves: Reserves of USD 5,360 million in May 2025 and USD 5,700 million in March 2025 provide a buffer for debt servicing and exchange rate stabilization. The 4.2-month import cover exceeds the national benchmark, supporting short-term Shilling stability.
Exchange Rate: The Shilling’s depreciation to TZS 2,884.42 per USD reflects pressures from debt servicing and imports, mitigated by BoT interventions (e.g., USD 7 million sale in January 2025). The 2.6% appreciation from January 2024 to January 2025 indicates effective short-term management.
Export Performance: Strong export growth (USD 16.7 billion, up 16.8%) driven by gold and cashew nuts bolsters foreign exchange inflows, critical for reserve accumulation and Shilling stability. Gold’s high price (USD 2,983.25 per ounce) is a key factor but introduces volatility risk.
Current Account and Inflation: The narrowed current account deficit (USD 2,175 million) and low inflation (3.2%) reduce pressure on the Shilling, supporting its purchasing power and import affordability.
Debt Servicing Costs: Estimated based on historical data (2.89% of GNI in 2023) and domestic lending rates (15.5%). These costs strain fiscal resources, potentially requiring reserve drawdowns or further borrowing, which could weaken the Shilling.
This table provides a concise overview of the key figures driving the Tanzania Shilling’s stability in May 2025, highlighting the interplay between debt developments, foreign exchange interventions, and external sector performance, as well as underlying risks from debt composition and commodity reliance.
As of February 28, 2025, the Bank of Tanzania’s total assets grew by 3.18%, reaching TZS 26.05 trillion, up from TZS 25.24 trillion in January. This growth was driven by a 15% increase in cash reserves (TZS 6.05 trillion) and a 10.2% rise in foreign currency marketable securities (TZS 8.53 trillion). Meanwhile, equity surged by 15.3%, supported by a 16% rise in reserves (TZS 2.41 trillion). However, advances to the government declined by 17.1%, reflecting tighter monetary policy, while currency in circulation fell by 1.4%, signaling a possible shift towards digital transactions or inflation control measures.
1. Total Assets:
Total:TZS 26.05 trillion (increased from TZS 25.24 trillion in January 2025, a 3.18% increase).
IMF-related Liabilities:TZS 1.17 trillion (no change).
Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) Allocation:TZS 1.94 trillion (up from TZS 1.86 trillion, +4.7%).
3. Equity:
Total:TZS 2.51 trillion (up from TZS 2.18 trillion, +15.3%).
Breakdown:
Paid-up Capital:TZS 100 billion (unchanged).
Reserves:TZS 2.41 trillion (up from TZS 2.08 trillion, +16%).
Key Takeaways:
✅ Increase in Assets (+3.18%), driven by growth in foreign marketable securities, loans, and cash reserves. ✅ Increase in Liabilities (+2%), with a rise in bank deposits and foreign currency liabilities. ✅ Growth in Equity (+15.3%), mainly due to an increase in reserves. ⚠️ Decline in Advances to Government (-17.1%), indicating reduced central bank lending to the government. ⚠️ Slight decrease in Currency Circulation (-1.4%), potentially reflecting economic factors like lower cash demand.
Analysis of the Bank of Tanzania's Financial Position (As of 28 February 2025)
The financial statement shows key trends in Tanzania’s monetary system and economic conditions.
1. Financial Stability and Growth
✅ Total Assets Increased (+3.18%)
The growth in total assets to TZS 26.05 trillion suggests a stronger financial position for the central bank.
The rise in foreign currency marketable securities (+10.2%) indicates increased foreign reserves, which enhances Tanzania’s ability to manage external shocks.
Higher cash reserves (+15%) signal stronger liquidity and better financial sector stability.
✅ Increase in Equity (+15.3%)
A rise in reserves (+16%) suggests that the central bank has improved its capital buffer, making it more resilient against financial risks.
2. Monetary Policy Implications
⚠️ Decline in Advances to Government (-17.1%)
A reduction in lending to the government means the Bank of Tanzania is possibly tightening its monetary policy, aiming to control inflation or reduce fiscal dependency on central bank funding.
⚠️ Decrease in Currency Circulation (-1.4%)
A drop in money circulation could suggest:
Lower cash demand, possibly due to increased digital transactions.
Slower economic activity, as businesses and individuals hold less cash.
Efforts to control inflation by reducing excess liquidity in the economy.
✅ Increase in Bank Deposits (+14.8%)
This indicates stronger banking sector liquidity, suggesting that banks have more funds available for lending to businesses and individuals, which can drive economic growth.
3. External Sector and IMF Involvement
✅ Increase in IMF Quota & Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) (+4.7%)
Tanzania’s higher quota and SDRs mean increased access to IMF financial support if needed, enhancing the country’s external financial stability.
✅ Increase in Foreign Currency Liabilities (+1.1%)
This could indicate external borrowing or obligations, possibly linked to foreign exchange market interventions or debt management.
4. Potential Risks & Considerations
⚠️ Reduction in Government Securities (-1.7%)
This could signal lower investment in domestic government debt, potentially affecting fiscal financing.
⚠️ Deposits from Other Sources Dropped (-4.8%)
A decrease in non-bank deposits might indicate lower private sector liquidity or withdrawals from certain institutional accounts.
Conclusion
✅ The Bank of Tanzania’s financial position is strong, with rising reserves, improved liquidity, and controlled government lending. ⚠️ However, the decline in cash circulation and advances to the government may indicate monetary tightening and a possible slowdown in cash-based economic activities. 💡 Recommendation: Monitor government borrowing and liquidity trends to ensure balanced growth without excessive tightening.
In January 2025, Tanzania's lending interest rates remained high, with the overall lending rate at 15.73%, slightly up from 15.70% in December 2024. Meanwhile, the negotiated lending rate stood at 12.80%, indicating that creditworthy borrowers could secure better terms. On the savings side, the overall deposit rate declined slightly to 8.31%, but negotiated deposit rates increased to 11.80%, encouraging large-scale deposits. The interest rate spread narrowed to 5.63 percentage points from 6.68% in January 2024, suggesting increased competition in the banking sector and potential future adjustments in lending rates.
Lending Interest Rates (January 2025)
Overall lending rate: 15.73% (up from 15.70% in December 2024)
Negotiated lending rate: 12.80% (slightly down from 12.83% in December 2024)
Short-term lending rate (up to 1 year): 15.70%
Deposit Interest Rates (January 2025)
Overall deposit rate: 8.31% (down slightly from 8.33% in December 2024)
Negotiated deposit rate: 11.80% (up from 10.39% in December 2024)
12-month fixed deposit rate: 10.08% (up from 9.62% in December 2024)
Savings deposit rate: 2.97% (up from 2.84% in December 2024)
Interest Rate Spread
The spread between short-term lending and deposit interest rates narrowed to 5.63 percentage points, down from 6.68 percentage points recorded in January 2024.
These figures indicate that lending rates remained stable with slight upward movement, while deposit rates showed mixed trends, with an increase in negotiated deposit rates. The interest rate spread narrowing suggests banks are slightly reducing the gap between borrowing and lending costs.
The interest rate trends from the Bank of Tanzania with key insights into the current monetary environment and the cost of borrowing and saving in Tanzania
Key Takeaways:
Lending Rates Remain High (15.73%)
This suggests that borrowing remains relatively expensive for businesses and individuals.
High lending rates could slow down investment and economic expansion if businesses find it costly to access credit.
However, the slight increase in the lending rate (from 15.70% to 15.73%) is minimal, meaning borrowing costs have remained stable.
Negotiated Lending Rates Are Lower (12.80%)
Businesses and high-value borrowers with good creditworthiness can negotiate better loan terms, meaning not all borrowers face the highest lending rates.
This indicates that banks are willing to offer flexible rates to attract quality borrowers.
Deposit Rates Show Mixed Trends
Overall deposit rate (8.31%) is slightly lower, meaning banks are not offering much incentive for savings.
Negotiated deposit rate (11.80%) is higher, which suggests that large depositors (e.g., institutional investors) can get better returns on deposits.
12-month fixed deposit rate (10.08%) is rising, which encourages long-term savings.
Narrowing Interest Rate Spread (5.63%)
The difference between lending and deposit rates is reducing (from 6.68% in January 2024 to 5.63% in January 2025).
This suggests banks are offering slightly better rates to depositors while keeping loan rates stable.
A smaller spread can indicate increased competition among banks or policy measures to make credit more affordable.
Implications for the Economy
For Borrowers:
Businesses still face high borrowing costs, which could slow expansion.
However, those with strong financial records can access cheaper loans.
Lower overall deposit rates mean small savers might not benefit much from interest earnings.
For the Banking Sector:
The narrowing spread suggests competition among banks, which may lead to lower lending rates in the future.
Banks may need to balance between attracting deposits and maintaining profitability.
As of October 2024, Tanzania's financial markets have exhibited mixed but resilient performance. The government securities market showed a preference for long-term bonds, while short-term Treasury Bills faced under subscription. Meanwhile, the interbank cash market saw increased turnover, and the foreign exchange market benefited from improved liquidity driven by strong export earnings. Despite some liquidity tightness, particularly due to crop purchase demands, the overall market conditions remain stable, supporting Tanzania’s broader economic growth and monetary policy objectives.
1. Government Securities Market:
Treasury Bills (T-Bills):
Tender Size: The combined total for two auctions was TZS 253.3 billion.
Bids Received: A total of TZS 118.4 billion in bids was received.
Bids Accepted: All bids were accepted, indicating strong interest despite the under subscription.
Weighted Average Yield: The yield for T-Bills increased to 11.55% from 10.85% in the previous month. This increase reflects rising investor demand for higher returns, possibly due to inflationary pressures or market uncertainty.
Performance: The T-Bills market was undersubscribed, suggesting a preference among investors for longer-term government debt instruments such as bonds.
Treasury Bonds (T-Bonds):
Total Tender Size:TZS 395.6 billion was offered.
Bids Attracted: The market saw TZS 354.6 billion in bids, a healthy demand.
Successful Bids:TZS 310.6 billion worth of bids were accepted.
Weighted Average Yields:
5-year Bond Yield:12.41%
15-year Bond Yield:15.76%
20-year Bond Yield:15.76%
Key Insights: Investors showed a preference for long-term bonds with high yields, particularly the 15-year and 20-year bonds, which both had a yield of 15.76%, reflecting the demand for long-term investments amidst current inflationary trends.
2. Interbank Cash Market (IBCM):
Market Turnover: The total turnover in the IBCM increased to TZS 2,093.7 billion, up from TZS 1,564.7 billion in September, showing increased trading activity.
Overnight Transactions:39.1% of the total market turnover consisted of overnight transactions, indicating a strong short-term borrowing and lending activity.
7-Day Transactions:20.6% of the market turnover was related to 7-day transactions, showing a preference for slightly longer-term liquidity management.
IBCM Interest Rate: The average interest rate for the IBCM stood at 8.04%, down slightly from 8.16% in September. This indicates a minor improvement in liquidity conditions, possibly due to lower demand for immediate liquidity.
Liquidity Conditions: The market was characterized by a decline in liquidity due to higher demands from crop purchases, particularly in the agricultural sector.
3. Interbank Foreign Exchange Market (IFEM):
Market Performance: There was a significant increase in market activity, with transactions rising to USD 50.7 million from USD 8.35 million in September. This increase suggests a surge in demand for foreign currency.
Bank of Tanzania's Net Purchase: The Bank of Tanzania purchased USD 4.5 million to stabilize the exchange rate and address exchange rate volatility.
Exchange Rate:
The average exchange rate was TZS 2,719.91 per US dollar, which is an improvement from TZS 2,727.41 per US dollar in September.
Annual Depreciation: The Tanzanian Shilling has depreciated by 8.98% year-on-year, an improvement from 10.11% depreciation in the previous month. This improvement reflects the stabilization efforts in the foreign exchange market.
Foreign Exchange Liquidity: Liquidity improved due to strong export earnings from:
Cashew nut exports
Gold exports
Tourism earnings
Key Market Characteristics:
Improved foreign exchange liquidity supported by strong export revenue.
Slight appreciation of the Shilling, indicating improved market conditions and investor confidence.
Under Subscription in government securities, particularly in T-Bills, reflecting a shift towards longer-term investments.
Active interbank cash market, showing increased turnover and liquidity activity.
Minimal intervention by the Bank of Tanzania in the IFEM, with their intervention limited to stabilizing volatility.
Mixed Performance: The financial markets showed a mixed performance in October 2024:
The interbank cash market was strong, reflecting solid liquidity management but facing some liquidity tightness due to crop purchases.
The foreign exchange market saw improved liquidity and a slight appreciation of the Tanzanian Shilling, largely supported by export earnings.
Government securities, however, faced undersubscription in the T-Bills market, with investors preferring long-term bonds.
Resilient Market: Despite some liquidity constraints, particularly in short-term markets like T-Bills, overall market conditions were stable, with resilience in the broader financial markets.
Monetary Policy Support: The Bank of Tanzania's monetary policy appeared effective in maintaining market stability, addressing exchange rate volatility, and promoting growth while keeping inflation in check.
Tanzania's financial markets as of October 2024 provides insights into the overall health and performance of key market segments, including government securities, interbank cash, and foreign exchange markets.
1. Government Securities Market:
T-Bills and T-Bonds Performance:
Undersubscription in T-Bills indicates that investors are increasingly seeking longer-term investments, possibly due to concerns about inflation or a desire for higher yields. This suggests that short-term instruments are less attractive compared to the stability offered by longer-term bonds.
The strong demand for Treasury Bonds, particularly the 15-year and 20-year bonds with yields of 15.76%, highlights a preference for higher yields, signaling confidence in the government’s long-term fiscal management and a search for safer, more rewarding investments.
2. Interbank Cash Market (IBCM):
The increase in market turnover to TZS 2,093.7 billion suggests more trading activity and a higher demand for liquidity. This could be linked to the need for short-term financing in the economy, likely due to cash flow demands in various sectors (e.g., agriculture).
The decline in liquidity driven by crop purchase demands shows that there are seasonal pressures on cash flows, but the market remains active and responsive.
3. Foreign Exchange Market (IFEM):
The increase in foreign exchange transactions and the Bank of Tanzania's net purchase of USD 4.5 million signal that there is a proactive effort to manage exchange rate volatility and stabilize the Shilling.
The slight appreciation of the Tanzanian Shilling (from TZS 2,727.41 to TZS 2,719.91 per USD) and improved foreign exchange liquidity point to better export performance (e.g., cashew nuts, gold, and tourism), which is strengthening the country's foreign currency reserves and stabilizing the currency.
The 8.98% annual depreciation of the Shilling, which improved from 10.11% in September, suggests that the currency is stabilizing but is still under pressure due to global economic conditions and domestic challenges.
4. Market Summary:
Mixed Market Performance:
The markets were generally stable but faced some challenges:
Government securities showed moderate performance, with preference for longer-term bonds.
Foreign exchange and interbank cash markets showed resilience, benefiting from exports and market interventions.
Overall Stability: The financial markets remain resilient, supporting Tanzania’s economic growth while maintaining price stability, which is the key objective of the central bank’s monetary policy.
Investor Sentiment: Investors seem cautious about short-term instruments (T-Bills) but are confident in the long-term outlook, as reflected in the demand for long-term bonds.
5. Broader Economic Implications:
Liquidity Tightness: While liquidity tightness due to crop purchases may be a short-term issue, the increase in market turnover suggests that there is still confidence in short-term lending and borrowing within the banking system.
Monetary Policy Effectiveness: The Bank of Tanzania’s actions—particularly in the foreign exchange market—show its ability to intervene and manage exchange rate volatility effectively. It also indicates a balance between addressing liquidity challenges and supporting economic growth.
Stable Economic Environment: Despite the undersubscription in T-Bills, the overall stable performance of the financial markets suggests that Tanzania is navigating global economic pressures while maintaining a healthy domestic economy.
In summary, the analysis tells us that Tanzania’s financial markets are currently facing mixed conditions, but overall, they are demonstrating resilience, with strong export performance and improved liquidity conditions. The government’s fiscal and monetary policies appear to be effectively supporting stability and growth