Josephine Christopher is a senior business journalist for The Citizen and Mwananchi newspapers
Mwananchi Communications Limitted
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The volume of shares traded fell dramatically by 63.76 per cent, from 21.60 million to 7.83 million, as activity slowed across most counters
Dar es Salaam. The Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) closed last week in the red, with a sharp decline in equity sales and prices from key financial and industrial stocks.
In the week ending August 22nd, 2025, sales of equities plunged 74.57 percent from Sh36.89 billion to Sh9.38 billion.
The volume of shares traded also fell dramatically by 63.76 per cent, from 21.60 million to 7.83 million, as activity slowed across most counters.
Total market capitalisation dropped 2.73 per cent to Sh21.99 trillion from Sh22.61 trillion, driven by significant declines in major listings such as CRDB Bank Plc, Nico, Tanzania Cigarette Company (TCC), and Tanzania Portland Cement Company (TPCC).
The domestic market capitalization fared worse, decreasing 6.14 per cent to Sh14.25 trillion, underscoring vulnerabilities in local sectors.
Among the top losers, Nico shed 37.04 per cent to close at Sh1,320, CRDB fell 20.13 per cent to Sh1,270, and TPCC declined 10.46 per cent to Sh5,050.
In terms of trading activity, DCB led volumes with 3.74 million shares, accounting for 47.85 per cent of the total, followed by CRDB at 2.05 million shares or 26.27 per cent.
Turnover was dominated by CRDB at 31.71 per cent, Sh2.97 billion, with NMB contributing 19.79 per cen,t Sh1.85 billion. Domestic investors remained the primary force, representing 86.39 per cent of activity, while foreigners made up just 13.61 per cent, signaling limited international appetite amid global uncertainties.
On a brighter note, the fixed income segment showed resilience.
The secondary bond market recorded 318 transactions totaling Sh257.52 billion, a notable increase from the previous week’s TZS 201.03 billion.
The 15-Year Treasury bond Auction attracted 101 bids, with subscriptions reaching Sh226 billion and successful collections of Sh244.31 billion, indicating strong demand for government securities as a haven.
Looking ahead, the market diverged from prior forecasts, with all indicators closing in the red. However, optimism persists.
Capital Markets Manager at Vertex International Securities, Mr Ahmed Nganya, foresees a slight pick-up in performance next week as we delve deeper into the end of the third quarter.
The uptick will be potentially driven by seasonal adjustments and emerging opportunities in diversified investments like the recently launched VIS-ETF, which aims to boost liquidity and provide broader market exposure.
Vertex had recently introduced the Vertex International Securities Exchange Traded Fund (VIS-ETF) and the Vertex Bond Fund.
Aiming to raise Sh10 billion, these offerings enhance market liquidity, accessibility, and diversification on the bourse.
