The Capital Markets and Securities Authority (CMSA) has called on stakeholders to embrace innovation to grow Tanzania’s capital markets and increase financial inclusion.
The call was made on May 27, 2025, during the launch of the new Vertex Mobile Trading App in Dar es Salaam.
Speaking at the event, CMSA Director of Policy, Research and Planning, Alfred Mkombo, said digital technologies like the Vertex app can open up investment opportunities to many Tanzanians, especially those who are underserved and living in remote areas.
“This app marks a big step forward for our capital markets,” said Mkombo.
In addition, he said “It is designed to reach all groups in society. That means more people will be able to invest and take part in economic growth.”
He added that CMSA supports such innovations because they bring more efficiency, convenience, and access to the capital markets. “This is the kind of progress we want to see—tools that allow people to take control of their financial futures,” he said.
The Vertex app is user-friendly, meaning even first-time investors can open accounts, buy and sell shares, and follow market trends using their mobile phones. The app removes the need to visit brokers physically or deliver paper documents.
Ali Othman, a Technological Officer who represented the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange CEO at the launch, praised the app as timely.
He said Tanzania’s capital markets are growing fast.
In the first quarter of this year alone, 25,000 new Central Depository System (CDS) accounts were opened, with around 200 accounts being activated each day through mobile phones.
Today, there are about 700,000 active CDS accounts, with youth making up the largest and most active group. This shows the strong future potential of the market. However, Othman noted that Tanzania still trails behind neighboring countries in terms of digital investment.
“The Vertex app is more than just a trading platform,” said Othman.
he added “It is a gateway to wider national participation in the capital markets. But for it to succeed, we must deal with challenges such as distance, limited knowledge, and mistrust.”
Frank Kakweli, Operations Manager at Vertex International Securities, said the app is not only about trading—it is also about learning.
“We want people to understand how investments work. With the right knowledge, they can make better financial choices,” he said.
He added that the app offers users full control over their investments. It allows for buying and selling of shares, checking balances, and tracking performance in real-time; anytime, anywhere.
Key benefits of using mobile trading apps like Vertex include: Ease of transactions, Time-saving and lower costs, Convenience from mobile access and Automatic savings and fund transfers.
Owning financial assets, Kakweli explained, comes with both financial and non-financial advantages. Financial benefits include dividends, interest, capital gains, access to loans, and collateral value. Non-financial benefits include increased personal credibility and a greater role in driving the national economy.
However, he noted a gap in awareness. “Although 72 percent of Tanzanians use mobile money, only 33 percent know about financial investment options. This shows a huge opportunity,” Kakweli said.
He concluded that with the right tools and information, more Tanzanians can take part in the capital markets, secure their futures, and contribute to national development.
The launch of the Vertex app marks an important milestone. It shows how digital innovation can help ordinary citizens become investors, improve their financial literacy, and build a stronger economy.
