DAR ES SALAAM, July 27 -- TANZANIAN businesses, particularly Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), are expected to gain easier access to long-term financing following the countrys first offshore bond denominated in Tanzanian shillings and listed on the London Stock Exchange.

The 100 million US dollar bond (about 262.5bn/-), issued through the International Finance Corporation (IFC), will channel funds through NMB Bank to businesses, enabling them to expand operations, invest in new equipment, create jobs and grow without the foreign exchange risks associated with borrowing in foreign currencies.

For many business owners, the arrangement means they could access loans in Tanzanian shillings rather than foreign currencies.

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