CMSA urges digital innovation to lure investors

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Capital Markets and Securities Authority (CMSA) has called for greater use of digital tools to expand investor participation in the country’s capital markets, particularly through mobile applications.

CMSA Director of Policy, Research and Planning, Alfred Mkombo, said on behalf of his CEO Nicodemus Mkama during the official launch of the Vertex Mobile Trading App that digital solutions are critical for inclusion.

“The Vertex app marks a significant step forward in the country’s capital markets,” said Mkombo on Tuesday.

“It is designed to reach all segments of society, promoting financial inclusion and empowering more individuals to participate in the investment space.” He said innovations such as Vertex could help extend capital market access to underserved and marginalised communities.

“It represents a transformative advancement—introducing efficiency, accessibility and convenience to the capital markets,” Mr Mkombo said.

He added that the platform’s user-friendly design would broaden access and allow more Tanzanians to take control of their financial futures.

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“This is innovation that brings greater benefits,” said Ali Othman, Technological Officer at the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange, speaking on behalf of the Exchange’s CEO.

Mr Othman said the app’s launch coincided with a surge in market activity. In the first quarter of the year, 25,000 new Central Depository System (CDS) accounts were opened, with nearly 200 accounts being activated daily via mobile devices.

He said the growth signals a shift toward digital channels and underlines the relevance of Vertex. There are currently 700,000 active CDS accounts, with young people making up the largest and most engaged group. However, he said the country still trails behind regional peers in the number of digital investors, underscoring the urgency of rolling out platforms like Vertex.

“The Vertex Interactive Trading App is more than just a trading platform—it is a gateway to greater national participation in capital markets,” said Mr Othman.

He added that physical and informational barriers continue to limit adoption. “Bridging these gaps will be key to unlocking the app’s full potential,” he said. Vertex International Securities Operations Manager Frank Kakweli said the app’s core objective is to improve financial literacy and increase investment knowledge.

“This reveals a vast opportunity for education and outreach—one that the Vertex app is well-positioned to address,” Mr Kakweli said.

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He said users can open accounts, buy and sell shares and track market performance through the app without visiting a brokerage or submitting paper documents. Mr Kakweli outlined key advantages of mobile trading, including seamless transactions and ease of switching between assets.

“While 72 per cent of mobile phone users in Tanzania engage with mobile money services, only 33 per cent are aware of financial investment options,” said Kakweli.