Tanzania’s equity market is experiencing a benchmark. According to the latest data from  DSE (Dar es Salaam stock exchange), the total equity market capitalization has touched TZS 19.09 trillion. Which is almost USD 7.4 billion, based on an exchange rate of TZS 2,570/USD.

To appreciate the significance of this development, it helps to compare it to the country’s broader economic image. With a nominal GDP estimated between USD 75 billion and USD 80 billion, the equity market now accounts for nearly 10% of the national economy which marks a substantial rise in the role of capital markets in Tanzania’s growth narrative.

Tanzania’s Market in Figures

The Critical Role of Corporate Credit Ratings

While this upward trend in market capitalisation is encouraging, the long-term success and maturity of Tanzania’s capital markets depend more on aggregate figures, beyond sovereign credit ratings and macroeconomic indicators, investor confidence depends on company specific insights.

This is where corporate credit ratings play an important role.

It does not act like sovereign ratings which provide a wide measure of country-level of risk. Corporate credit ratings show creditworthiness and risk profile of the companies. 

These assessments are important for:

Investors: Assisting them in seeing potential investment opportunities and managing portfolio risks.

Companies: Increasing their credibility and expands access to capital, and attracts both local and international investors.

Markets: promoting clarity, liquidity, and efficiency within the financial system.

ICRA’s Role in Market Development

In Tanzania, ICRA Rating Agency is currently the only local credit rating agency offering independent corporate credit assessments. As a domestic institution ICRA is uniquely standing out to:

• Provide detailed insights based in local market dynamics
• Works like a trusted bridge between companies and investors
• Promote financial discipline and governance across sectors

The importance of domestic credit rating agencies is also being recognized at the continental level. The African Union has officially stood for the development and strengthening of homegrown credit rating institutions to reduce dependency on foreign agencies and to ensure that local realities are fairly reflected in risk assessments.

A Call to Action for Tanzanian Corporates

As Tanzania’s capital markets expand, the opportunity has also increased for companies to shape their future. Getting a credit rating is not just about compliance, but it is a strategic decision that reflects strength, builds trust, and opens doors for new initiatives and opportunities.

The Path Forward

For listed companies: Obtain independent credit ratings to communicate credibility and stability.

For regulators and stakeholders: Continue building an ecosystem that powers transparency and accountability.

For investors: Demand more visibility and analytical skills in evaluating Tanzanian corporates.

Conclusion

Tanzania’s Equity market is emerging as a meaningful component of the national economy. But to emerge into a mature, strong, and globally integrated capital market, corporate credit ratings must become a foundational element of financial infrastructure.

At this point, Tanzanian companies have a unique opportunity to boost market confidence and contribute to the country’s long-term prosperity.