iTrust ETFs open doors to Africa’s investment markets

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIAN investors can now buy into major African financial, energy, and technology stocks through a new 30 billion Tanzanian shillings (30bn/-) initial public offering (IPO) launched by iTrust Finance Limited. The offer introduces three sector-specific Collective Investment Schemes: the iAfrica Financials ETF, iAfrica Mining & Energy ETF, and iAfrica Telco & Tech ETF.

Each fund targets 10bn/- and is priced at 1,000/- per unit, with a minimum investment requirement of 100 units (100,000/-) per fund.

The public offer opened on Monday and will close on November 27, 2026. Speaking during the launch in Dar es Salaam yesterday, iTrust Finance Chief Executive Officer Faiz Arab said the products marked an important milestone in developing capital markets by connecting local investors to opportunities beyond national borders.

“The launch is not just about introducing new investment products; it is about enabling Tanzanian investors to participate in Africa’s growth story and diversify their investments across key sectors of the continent’s economy,” he said.

Mr Arab said the funds responded to growing demand from investors seeking opportunities beyond the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), while offering access to a broader range of investments.

Each ETF will invest in a diversified portfolio of African-listed companies within its respective sector, with iTrust actively managing investments to support returns and maintain liquidity. The funds will be managed by iTrust Finance Limited, while NBC Bank Limited will serve as trustee and custodian.

Mr Arab said the launch reflected iTrust’s commitment to financial inclusion, innovation and expanding wealth-building opportunities for Tanzanians. Established in 2013 as Iman Microfinance, he said the company had evolved by developing financial products that respond to changing investor needs and expectations.

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The offer for the three iAfrica ETFs opened on Monday this week and will close on November 27 this year. NBC Managing Director Mr Theobald Sabi said the funds would strengthen connections between Tanzanian investors and investment opportunities across Africa.

“As custodian bank, we remain committed to working with iTrust Finance, regulators and other stakeholders to strengthen investor confidence, promote innovation and support the continued development of financial markets,” he said.

He said the initiative demonstrated the growing capacity of Tanzania’s financial institutions and capital markets to facilitate cross-border investment. Representing the Chief Executive Officer of the Capital Markets and Securities Authority (CMSA), Director of Market Supervision and Investigation Mr Exaut Julius said the authority approved the offer documents and trust deeds for the three funds on October 5 this year.

He said the approval followed iTrust Finance Limited’s fulfilment of requirements under the Capital Markets and Securities Act, Cap 79, and regulations governing collective investment schemes.