The Bank of Tanzania published the inaugural issue of its quarterly Uchumi Wetu magazine, setting out recent monetary policy and supervisory measures. Key actions include cutting the Central Bank Rate (CBR) to 5.75% for the quarter July–September 2025 and launching an implementation arrangement for self-regulation in the tier-2 microfinance sector that makes membership of an approved industry body mandatory. The CBR was reduced from 6.0% and remains the reference rate for Bank of Tanzania operations including lending to commercial banks, with interbank lending rates expected to stay within a ±2.0% band around the CBR and the seven-day interbank rate managed within a 3.75%–7.75% range. For microfinance, tier-2 institutions must join either the Umbrella Association of Microfinance Service Providers (TAMFI) or the Union of Microfinance Service Providers (TAMIU), which will be tasked with member conduct oversight, financial literacy promotion, complaint-handling coordination, and supporting implementation of rules and guidelines, while the central bank retains licensing, policy implementation, consumer protection and sector-wide monitoring responsibilities. The issue also highlights the launch of the SEMA NA BOT digital consumer complaints system and the publication of a fintech regulatory sandbox guide, with complaints submission via a website, mobile apps and USSD, and 62 firms registered to submit sandbox applications since the sandbox began operating on 2 January 2025. The CBR for the fourth quarter of 2025 is scheduled for announcement in October 2025. Tier-2 microfinance institutions have until the end of December 2025 to join TAMFI or TAMIU, with the Bank of Tanzania indicating that non-compliant institutions will have their licences withdrawn.
Bank of Tanzania 2025-07-01
Bank of Tanzania lowers the central bank rate to 5.75% for July–September 2025 and mandates tier-2 microfinance institutions to join self-regulatory bodies by December 2025
The Bank of Tanzania's first quarterly Uchumi Wetu magazine details a reduction of the Central Bank Rate (CBR) to 5.75% for July–September 2025 and introduces mandatory self-regulation for tier-2 microfinance institutions, requiring them to join TAMFI or TAMIU for oversight. The central bank retains licensing and policy duties. Additionally, the bank launched the SEMA NA BOT digital consumer complaints system and a fintech regulatory sandbox guide.