Tanzania has achieved a major milestone in its financial sector after the successful listing of its first offshore Tanzanian Shilling-denominated bond on the London Stock Exchange, a move expected to enhance the country's access to international capital and strengthen investor confidence.
The Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA), led by Director General Gilead Teri, joined Finance Minister Khamis Mussa Omar, senior government officials, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank Group, NMB Bank and international investors to mark the landmark listing in London.
Issued by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, the TZS 265.2 billion (US$100 million) bond is the largest Tanzanian Shilling-denominated bond ever issued in international capital markets.
The offshore bond is expected to expand Tanzania's access to long-term financing while strengthening the country's presence in global financial markets.
It also reflects increasing investor confidence in Tanzania's macroeconomic stability, ongoing economic reforms and improving business environment.
The proceeds are expected to support private sector development by increasing the availability of long-term local currency financing for businesses, helping accelerate industrialisation, expand financial inclusion and create employment opportunities.
TISEZA said the successful transaction aligns with its mandate to attract, facilitate and retain high-quality investments by creating an enabling environment where investors have greater access to finance and businesses can grow sustainably.
The authority noted that stronger access to capital is expected to encourage more domestic and foreign investment in strategic sectors, supporting Tanzania's broader economic transformation agenda.
The milestone also highlights the impact of reforms implemented by the Government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, particularly efforts to improve economic governance, strengthen policy certainty and create a more predictable investment climate.
The successful listing positions Tanzania among a growing number of African economies tapping international capital markets through innovative local currency financing instruments, offering investors exposure to the country's economy while reducing foreign exchange risks for local borrowers.
