Bank of Tanzania Opens Government Securities Market to All Non-Resident Investors Bank of Tanzania

The Bank of Tanzania has amended its Foreign Exchange Regulations to allow all non-resident investors to invest in Tanzanian government Treasury bills and bonds, expanding access to the country's government securities market.

The Foreign Exchange (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, were issued under the Foreign Exchange Act, Cap. 271, through Government Notice No. 206 of 2026, published in the Government Gazette on 17 July 2026.

Before the amendment, participation in Tanzania's government securities market was limited to residents of the East African Community (EAC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and members of the Tanzanian diaspora. The new regulations remove these restrictions, allowing investors from outside these groups to participate in the market. Non-resident investors can now access Treasury bills and government bonds through approved Central Depository Participants (CDPs), subject to the requirements of the amended regulations and other applicable laws.

The reform is part of the Bank of Tanzania's broader efforts to deepen the country's domestic financial markets, increase foreign participation, and position Tanzania as a more attractive destination for international investors. Opening government securities to a wider pool of international investors could also provide Tanzania with access to a larger pool of capital while giving foreign investors greater exposure to the country's fixed income market.

The amendment represents a significant step in Tanzania's financial market liberalization. By opening government securities to all non-resident investors, the Bank of Tanzania is creating a broader investment market and strengthening the country's connection with international capital markets.