DSE CEO talks boosting investments and expanding listings

The Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) experienced significant growth in 2024, with market capitalization reaching TZS17.86 trillion, reflecting a 22.3% increase from the previous year. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, CEO Peter Nalitolela discussed the key drivers behind this growth and outlined the exchange's plans to boost investments and expand listings in 2025. Nalitolela highlighted several factors contributing to the market's success, including investor confidence, increased awareness, corporate performance, and efforts by listed companies to expand regionally and introduce new products. The CEO emphasized the importance of domestic investors in driving activities on the exchange and acknowledged the need for continued efforts to enhance awareness about capital markets in Tanzania. Looking ahead to 2025, Nalitolela outlined strategic initiatives to enhance market liquidity and increase investor participation across equity and bond markets. These initiatives include leveraging technology to expand retail investor penetration, revising trading rules, establishing a market-maker framework, and promoting financial literacy initiatives. The DSE is also exploring the introduction of new products on the equities board, such as micro-shares, ETFs, and index trading, to provide more liquidity and attract a diverse range of investors. Additionally, the exchange is focusing on revitalizing the bond market, which saw a decline in performance in 2024 due to changes in bond issuances by the central bank. Nalitolela highlighted efforts to educate investors about accessing the secondary market and attract more regional and international listings to strengthen the exchange's position on the global investment map. Collaborating with other exchanges in the region and participating in integration projects at the continental level are part of the DSE's strategy to enhance market access and attract both issuers and investors.