Bank Of Tanzania Lifts Foreigner’s Limits On Dar es Salam Stock Exchange

Following amendment of the Foreign Exchange Regulations, foreigners are now free to participate in the Dar es Salam Exchange (DSE) and, to a limited extent, in Government securities.

Before this amendment, foreigners were not allowed to participate in Government securities at all, and were limited to only 60% in listed securities.

The Bank of Tanzania, via GN No. 13 has published the following new Regulations in the Government Gazette on 2 May 2014:

1. The Foreign Exchange (Listed Securites) (Amendment) Regulations 2014

2. The Foreign Exchange (Amendment) Regulations 2014

The first Regulations say that non-Residents can participate in al securities in
Tanzania, except Government securities (Regulation 3(1).

Non-residents from East Africa can participate in Government securities up to 40% of the amounts issued but any one East Africa country cannot exceed two-thirds of that 40% (Regulation 3 (2).

As explained by CORE Securities, Tanzania’s leading stockbroker, as it was the original Foreign Exchange (Listed Securities) Regulations 203 that set the 60% limit for foreigners, its amendment effectively means that the foreigners’ limit in the DSE does not now apply.

Dealing in Government securities was also closed for all non-residents. This amendment effectively means that Government securities are now open for East Africa residents up to 40%, but still closed for non-East African investors.

The second Regulations apply to residents acquiring from, or selling or transferring to non-residents any securities, note or coupon.

Under the amendment, Residents can now deal in any other securities freely but
only within the East Africa Region.

The difference with the first Regulations is that whilst the first Regulations apply to listed securities, the second ones allow outward investments in any securities.

To learn more about the Dar Es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) read TanzaniaInvest exclusive interview with Moremi Marwa, CEO of DSE.