Tanzania has officially launched its first Exchange Traded Fund (ETF), marking a significant milestone in the nation’s financial markets. The Vertex International Securities ETF (VIS-ETF), listed on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE), represents a landmark achievement aimed at deepening market liquidity, expanding investor participation, and modernising Tanzania’s capital markets.
The listing, held on 16th October 2025, was jointly announced by the Capital Markets and Securities Authority (CMSA), the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange, and Vertex International Securities Limited. It marks a defining moment in the country’s journey toward building an inclusive and globally competitive economy aligned with Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050.
The VIS-ETF, managed by Vertex International Securities Limited as the Fund Manager and NBC Bank Limited as the Custodian Bank, is designed to provide investors with a transparent, diversified, and cost-effective investment vehicle. It tracks the performance of a diversified portfolio of actively traded equities listed on the DSE.
This new investment product is expected to enhance market liquidity by broadening access for both institutional and retail investors. It will also help attract regional and international participation, positioning Tanzania as a rising player in East Africa’s capital market landscape.
Mr. Peter Naitolloela, Chief Executive Officer of the DSE, hailed the listing as a major step forward for Tanzania’s financial sector.
“We are proud to host the first ETF on the DSE. This development demonstrates the evolution of our market infrastructure and product diversity. We look forward to increased investor participation and enhanced market liquidity as a result of this landmark listing,” he said.
Mr. Mateja Mgeta, Chief Executive Officer of Vertex International Securities Limited, described the launch as a strategic milestone in Tanzania’s capital market journey.
“We are honoured to pioneer this milestone for Tanzania’s capital markets. The VIS-ETF underscores our commitment to creating access and innovation for investors, both locally and internationally. It aligns with the country’s broader financial inclusion vision and reinforces sustainable economic growth,” he said.
According to the CMSA, the Initial Public Offer (IPO) for the VIS-ETF achieved a 136 percent oversubscription, signalling strong investor confidence and appetite for innovative financial products.
Mr. Nicomedus Mkama, Executive Director of CMSA, said the ETF listing will contribute to long-term stability and growth of Tanzania’s capital markets, while strengthening investor confidence in regulatory and market institutions.
The launch of the Vertex International Securities ETF aligns with Tanzania’s broader national goals outlined in the Tanzania Development Vision (TDV) 2050, which seeks to create a high-income, resilient, and inclusive economy.
By introducing the first ETF, the Tanzanian government and financial institutions are not only diversifying the range of investment instruments but also encouraging domestic savings and broadening financial literacy.
The CMSA highlighted that this milestone demonstrates the country’s readiness to compete globally, adding that more innovative investment products, such as sector-specific and Shariah-compliant ETFs, are expected to follow.
The Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange, established in 1996, has evolved into one of Africa’s most promising emerging markets. With more than 30 listed companies and an increasing appetite for innovative instruments, the exchange continues to serve as a catalyst for economic growth.
Market experts say that ETFs, globally recognized for their accessibility and cost efficiency, have revolutionised the way investors manage portfolios. The introduction of this investment product in Tanzania mirrors trends seen across Africa, including Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, where ETFs are helping deepen market sophistication.
The VIS-ETF offers Tanzanians a simplified entry into equity markets without the need to purchase individual stocks. It enables diversification across multiple sectors, reducing risk and promoting consistent returns. Additionally, the product allows for real-time trading on the DSE, enhancing flexibility for both retail and institutional investors.
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