DAR ES SALAAM, Sept. 1 -- IF a share price is rising rapidly, it is tempting to believe you have found a winning investment. Many new investors rush to buy, driven by excitement, headlines or social media discussions.

But here is the uncomfortable truth: A rising share price does not always mean a strong company.

At the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE), as in any other market, long-term investment success is not built on price movements alone.

It is built on understanding the real value of the business behind the share. For many first-time equity investors in Tanzania, one of the most common mistakes is focusing only on the market price.

While price tells you how much a share is trading for today, it does not tell you how financiall...