Tanzania, Zambia agree to boost ties on capital markets

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania and Zambia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the area of capital markets, in a move aimed at boosting regional economic integration and promoting sustainable development.

The initiative seeks to harmonise regulatory frameworks, improve investor protection, and build resilient, inclusive financial systems through enhanced collaboration between the two countries’ capital markets tribunals.

The move aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s broader vision of using capital markets as a strategic lever to accelerate economic growth and expand access to development financing.

According to a statement issued by Tanzania’s Capital Markets Tribunal (CMT), a delegation led by High Court Judge and CMT board chairperson Dr Ntemi Kilekamajenga is currently in Zambia for a benchmarking visit scheduled from June 16 to 20, 2025.

During the visit, the delegation is engaging in high-level talks with key Zambian institutions, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Lusaka Securities Exchange (LuSE), the Capital Markets Association of Zambia (CMAZ), and members of the judiciary.

The CMT Registrar, Mr Martin Kolikoli, said yesterday that the study tour is intended to promote the exchange of best practices, foster regional partnerships, and identify legal and regulatory reforms needed to strengthen the capital markets ecosystem.

“Key issues under discussion include strengthening dispute resolution mechanisms, enhancing regulatory oversight, and increasing market transparency — all of which are critical for attracting and safeguarding investments,” he said.

Mr Kolikoli said that the initiative demonstrates Tanzania’s commitment to mobilising investment through robust legal institutions and accessible financial markets.

“Vibrant capital markets are not only essential for economic diversification but also key to achieving long-term, inclusive development,” he noted.

He added that the participation of senior government and judiciary officials underscores Tanzania’s proactive stance on regional integration and institutional capacity-building.

The benchmarking mission also presents an opportunity to explore reforms that can enhance justice delivery, boost investor confidence, and ensure that capital markets in both countries remain stable, inclusive, and investor-friendly.

“This engagement reaffirms a shared regional vision — to build transparent, well-regulated capital markets that function as engines for sustainable economic growth,” Mr Kolikoli said.

The initiative is part of Tanzania’s broader financial sector development strategy, which seeks to strengthen financial infrastructure and ensure capital markets play a meaningful role in achieving national and regional development goals.