MWE Correspondent
The Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) marked a significant milestone on Tuesday with the official listing of the iTrust East Africa Community Large Cap Exchange Traded Fund (ETF), the first regional ETF in East Africa.
Investor enthusiasm exceeded all expectations, with the offer oversubscribed by an astonishing 540 percent, reflecting rising confidence in Tanzania’s capital markets.
The fund attracted Sh54 billion in applications against an initial target of Sh10 billion when the offer closed in December 2025. Over 4,000 investors participated, many making their debut in the capital markets, signaling growing public interest in diversified investment opportunities.
The fund began investing on January 20, 2026, and posted an immediate 6.49 percent gain in net asset value, rising from Sh1,000 to Sh1,064 within its first week of operations. Analysts say this strong start reflects the region’s appetite for accessible, transparent, and growth-oriented financial products.
The ETF provides exposure to large-cap companies across East Africa, allowing investors to benefit from regional economic growth while spreading risk across multiple stocks. Such products are particularly appealing to first-time investors and those looking to diversify their portfolios efficiently.
Officials at the DSE emphasized that this listing is part of a broader strategy to deepen market liquidity, diversify investment options, and broaden investor participation. The introduction of regional investment products is aimed at strengthening the capital markets and positioning the DSE as a competitive platform for both local and international investors.
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Market analysts say the success of the iTrust ETF highlights the potential of cross-border investment products to integrate East African capital markets further. By encouraging both retail and institutional participation, such initiatives enhance market depth and create opportunities for sustainable wealth creation in the region.
“This ETF listing is a clear sign of confidence in the growth of East Africa’s capital markets,” said a senior market observer. “It demonstrates that investors are increasingly willing to engage in products that offer transparency, diversification, and long-term returns.”
The debut of the iTrust ETF also reinforces the DSE’s commitment to innovation and modernization, ensuring that Tanzanians and regional investors have access to a wider array of investment tools while supporting the development of robust financial markets.
