DSE, IFC partner to advance gender inclusive governance

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange has partnered with International Finance Corporation to promote genderresponsive governance and disclosure, signalling broader systemic reforms.

The collaboration reflects growing recognition that inclusive corporate governance is central to building resilient capital markets, with investors increasingly demanding transparency on environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors.

DSE Chief Business Development Officer, Mr Emmanuel Nyalali said yesterday at the launching of ‘Women in Leadership Programme’ that the initiative aims to sensitise listed companies on the importance of promoting gender equality within their organisations.

“Despite various progress, many firms still face challenges in ensuring meaningful participation of women in decisionmaking positions, even when they possess the required qualifications and capabilities.

“That is why, in our partnership with IFC, we have organised this workshop to encourage companies and our stakeholders to re-examine the importance of empowering women at leadership levels so they can fully contribute to development,” said Mr Nyalali.

He said that strengthening gender-inclusive leadership is not only a social imperative but also a business priority, as diverse boards and management teams are increasingly linked to improved corporate performance and long-term sustainability.

The three-year programme runs tentatively from July 2026 through June 2029) focusing on increasing women leadership in the private sector by promoting good corporate governance practices and advancing gender diversity on boards and in senior management.

Building on IFC’s global ‘Women on Boards and Business Leadership’ work, the project will reach out to more women leaders, develop a pipeline of board-ready candidates, strengthen the business case for women’s leadership and help reduce gender gaps in the policy and legal environment.

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He noted that the programme is expected to equip companies with practical tools and frameworks to integrate gender considerations into governance structures, helping to enhance disclosure standards and build investor confidence in the market.

The CRDB Bank’s Treasury and Capital Markets Director, Mr Alex Ngusaru said there is still a need for systemic changes as part of efforts to promote gender equality, noting that the bank has already implemented several reforms to ensure inclusivity becomes a priority.

“Looking at our subsidiaries, including the one in the DR Congo, we have a female managing director. This shows significant progress, and we are continuing to strengthen our strategies, some of which are being shaped through this programme launched today,” said Mr Ngusaru.

Vodacom Tanzania’s Human Resources Head, Gervas Mfubusa, said the company advances gender equality through programs empowering women in leadership and supporting girls in school, notably via the Code Like a Girl initiative.

“Through this programme, we expect to further reinforce our efforts to ensure women are empowered and able to rise to decision-making levels,” said Mr Mfubusa.

Meanwhile, the Institute of Directors in Tanzania (IODT)’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Said Baraka Kambi said that promoting women’s representation in leadership and governance goes beyond equality, emphasising the need to empower women as drivers of development and to build a more inclusive society.