Government securities have increasingly become a cornerstone of Tanzania’s fiscal and economic stability, enabling the Government to fund development projects, manage liquidity, and sustain confidence in the financial system.
As demand for the instruments grows among banks, pension funds, and individual investors, the need for clear and accurate public communication has become more critical.
It is in this context that the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) convened a capacity-building seminar for financial journalists in Dodoma to enhance national understanding of how government securities work and why they matter.
Opening the seminar on November 19, 2025, the Manager of the Operations Department at the BoT Dodoma Branch, Mr. Nolasco Maluli, said strengthening financial literacy remains central to empowering citizens to take part in economic development.
He underscored the pivotal role journalists play in interpreting economic trends, monetary policy actions, and the Government’s borrowing strategy.
Mr. Maluli noted that the partnership between the Central Bank and the media has improved the quality of financial reporting over the years.
“We continue to benefit from strong collaboration with the media. This cooperation has elevated professionalism in economic coverage and enhanced public access to clear, reliable financial information,” he said.
He added that the seminar aims to equip journalists with better analytical tools to unpack complex economic issues for the public.
Journalists from Dodoma, Morogoro, Pwani, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar took part in the training, which covered the mandate of the Central Bank, the management of inflation and interest rates, the supervision of financial services, and the structure of the payments system.
The key presentation was delivered by Mr. Francis Samuel, an officer from the Directorate of Financial Markets, who provided an in-depth explanation of the role of government securities in Tanzania’s economy.
He showed an example that the Government planed to borrow TZS 6.61 trillion domestically in the 2024/25 fiscal year, including TZS 4.02 trillion to service maturing obligations and TZS 2.59 trillion for development projects under the TZS 49.35 trillion national budget.
Mr. Samuel said government securities remain among the safest investment options in the market, backed by the Government and offering predictable returns.
He explained the differences between short-term Treasury Bills, used mainly to manage budget deficits, and long-term Treasury Bonds, which finance infrastructure and other development initiatives.
He also detailed how BoT conducts weekly auctions, with investors participating through competitive and non-competitive bidding. Prices are determined by market demand, and yields fluctuate based on prevailing liquidity conditions.
To illustrate current market trends, Mr. Samuel cited the most recent 15-year Treasury Bond auction, held on November 12, 2025, which recorded strong investor appetite.
The bond attracted nearly TZS 800 billion in bids against an offer of TZS 165.49 billion, reflecting robust confidence in the Government’s fiscal direction.
The weighted average yield—12.0794 percent—was lower than the previous auction, signalling increased demand and competition among investors.
The seminar reaffirmed BoT’s commitment to fostering informed economic reporting and strengthening public understanding of the financial system.
By working closely with journalists, the Central Bank aims to ensure that citizens receive accurate, timely and accessible information that supports broader national development goals.