Mobile Trading Platforms and Youth Investor Participation: Evidence from Tanzania’s Hisa Kiganjani Application

Aim: Financial technology (FinTech) innovations are transforming access to capital markets by lowering transaction costs and reducing geographical barriers to participation. In Tanzania, the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange introduced the Hisa Kiganjani mobile trading application to promote inclusive participation in securities markets through mobile-enabled investment services. Despite the rapid expansion of mobile money ecosystems and increasing smartphone penetration, youth participation in formal capital markets remains relatively low. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Hisa Kiganjani mobile application in enhancing stock market participation among higher learning students, using third-year students at the Institute of Rural Development Planning as a case study. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed-methods research design was employed, combining structured survey data and qualitative insights. Quantitative analysis involved descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and logistic regression modelling to examine the influence of awareness, perceived usefulness, usability, financial literacy, and network reliability on participation outcomes. Results: The findings reveal that awareness and perceived usefulness significantly influence adoption decisions, while usability and network reliability strongly determine sustained engagement with the platform. Financial literacy further strengthens participation by increasing investor confidence in digital trading systems. Conclusion: The study concludes that while mobile trading platforms enhance access to capital markets, their effectiveness depends on usability, financial literacy, and the availability of supporting infrastructure. Recommendation: The study recommends integrating financial education into university curricula, enhancing platform usability through user-centred design, and improving network infrastructure to support reliable digital trading.