Link to dashboard: https://otsapp.tmx.co.tz/
The Tanzania Mercantile Exchange (TMX) Online Trading System (OTS) is the official digital platform for commodity trading in Tanzania. It is designed to provide a secure, efficient, and transparent marketplace for all participants, including producers, sellers, buyers, brokers, and other stakeholders.
The purpose of the OTS is to improve core business processes, enhance market efficiency, and minimize risks associated with commodity trading. The system facilitates market transparency, price discovery, fair competition, and assurance of quality and quantity for all traded commodities.
The TMX Trading Lifecycle
The TMX platform formalizes and structures the agricultural trade process, creating a reliable and scalable ecosystem from the producer to the final buyer.
1. From Producer to Market
The process begins with individual farmers and producers. To achieve better market access and fair pricing, producers work with cooperatives and organized farmer groups. These groups aggregate smaller quantities of produce into larger, commercially viable lots that can be traded on the exchange.
2. The Warehouse Receipt System
Aggregated produce is delivered to a licensed warehouse. There, it is graded and stored, and a Warehouse Receipt is issued. This official document confirms the exact quantity and quality of the commodity. The Warehouse Receipt is a fundamental component of the system, serving as the basis for trading on the exchange and as potential collateral for financial services.
3. The Online Trading System (OTS) Marketplace
Commodities backed by a valid Warehouse Receipt are listed on the TMX Online Trading System. The platform manages the entire trade session, which consists of several key stages:
- Pre-Trade Session: This involves the creation of a sales catalogue from verified warehouse receipts, the configuration of auction parameters, and the confirmation of buyer eligibility to participate.
- Trade Session: This is the active, real-time auction where registered buyers compete by placing bids for listed commodities. The system ensures all bidding adheres to established rules and regulations.
- Post-Trade Session: Following the auction, the system manages trade confirmation, seller consent, and the generation of official invoices for successful buyers.
4. Clearing, Settlement, and Secure Financial Flow
To ensure trust and transparency, all financial transactions are managed securely.
- Buyers’ payments are processed through TMX Settlement Banks via the Government e-Payment Gateway (GePG).
- Once payment is confirmed, funds are transferred to the sellers, cooperatives, and other beneficiaries as defined in the disbursement plan. This process guarantees timely and secure payment for all parties.
5. Delivery and Commodity Flow
Upon successful settlement, the system facilitates the final delivery process. The buyer is issued a secure Release Order, which is presented at the warehouse to claim the purchased goods. This completes the transparent flow of the commodity from the original producer to the buyer.
Mobile Applications (Coming Soon)
To further enhance market access and operational efficiency, TMX is developing a dedicated mobile application. The application is currently in development and will be made available to users in the near future.
This application will be designed for stakeholders, providing the ability to view auction schedules, place live bids, and manage their accounts directly from a mobile device. It will feature real-time notifications to ensure users never miss a trading opportunity.
Please check back for future announcements regarding the official launch of these applications.
Registration and Access
For Buyers:
Buyers must first register with the appropriate regulatory body for the commodity they wish to purchase. Following this, they will complete a Buyer Declaration Form, which is subject to a verification and review process by TMX. Only upon approval will the buyer be notified, granted access to the dashboard, and permitted to participate in commodity auctions.
NB: Certain commodities require that you make a security deposit whose amount is dependent on the particular commodity that you want to trade. download and read more about the trading guidelines in the Information desk.
For Sellers:
Sellers do not access the system directly. Instead, they operate through their respective Aggregation Stations (AMCOS). For more details, please refer to the trading procedure documentation.