Tanzania, Dec. 6 -- Dar es Salaam. Tanzania's foreign exchange reserves can now cover only 4.2 months of imports, the shortest period for five years.

The Bank of Tanzania has attributed this to the economic consequences of the war in Ukraine.

Although the import cover is still within the country's benchmark of four months, the 4.2 months are below the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (Sadc) convergence targets of at least 4.5 and six months, respectively.

Foreign exchange reserves are assets held on reserve by a central bank in foreign currencies with the aim of meeting international financial obligations, including sovereign and commercial debts, and financing of imports.

The last time foreign e...