Tanzania Central Bank Prepares Crypto Rules to Protect Investors

Highlights:

• Bank of Tanzania is finalizing new rules for cryptocurrencies, stablecoins and other virtual assets nationwide.
• The framework aims to protect investors, improve oversight and address money laundering and terrorist financing risks.
• The planned regulations do not make Bitcoin, stablecoins or other cryptocurrencies legal tender in Tanzania.

The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) is finalizing laws and regulations for cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and other virtual assets as the country moves closer to formal oversight of the sector. Daily News Tanzania reported the development on July 13, after central bank Governor Emmanuel Tutuba spoke during the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair.

Tutuba said the planned framework aims to improve the supervision of digital assets and protect investors from risks linked to the fast-growing market. The move follows increased public interest in crypto investments, especially among younger Tanzanians, as well as complaints from people who have lost money.

JUST IN: 🇹🇿 Tanzania moves to regulate Africa’s $205B crypto market.

The Bank of Tanzania is reportedly preparing laws and regulations for digital assets as Sub-Saharan Africa’s on-chain crypto activity surpasses $205B.

The move follows new crypto rules in Kenya and Zimbabwe as… pic.twitter.com/8JAKwN5nAu

— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) July 16, 2026

Bank of Tanzania Plans Rules for Crypto and Stablecoins

The proposed framework will cover virtual assets, cryptocurrencies and stablecoins. However, the central bank has not yet released the final wording of the laws, detailed compliance requirements or an implementation date.

“We are currently finalising the preparation of laws and regulations,” Tutuba said. He explained that the rules would give the Bank of Tanzania a clearer structure for regulating and supervising digital asset activity. Tutuba said the Bank of Tanzania decided to develop the framework after seeing stronger interest in digital assets and receiving complaints about investment losses.

“Many young people are investing in this area,” he said. The governor added that the central bank is looking for an approach that can create an enabling environment while protecting Tanzanians from further harm. He also warned that virtual assets can carry serious financial risks. According to Tutuba, some digital assets have been linked to money laundering and terrorist financing. Authorities therefore want participants in the sector to follow clear guidelines once the regulations are issued.

The framework will strengthen consumer protection and help the central bank preserve the integrity of Tanzania’s financial system. However, Tutuba did not provide figures for reported investor losses or identify specific crypto companies that may fall under the coming rules.

Do Tanzania’s Planned Crypto Rules Make Bitcoin Legal Tender?

The report does not say that Bitcoin, stablecoins or other digital assets will become legal tender in Tanzania. Tutuba discussed laws for regulation and supervision, not a plan to recognize cryptocurrencies as official national currency.

Tutuba said the Bank of Tanzania wants financial innovation to develop alongside consumer protection and financial stability. During the trade fair visit, he also reviewed digital services designed to improve access to finance and support digital inclusion.

The governor said public exhibitions can help citizens learn more about financial services, investment opportunities and the central bank’s role in maintaining a safe and inclusive financial system. For now, the market is waiting for the Bank of Tanzania to publish the final framework and explain how it will operate.