By Alfred Zacharia
Tanzania is preparing to make a significant impact at Expo 2025 Osaka, taking place from April 12 to October 13, 2025, on Yumeshima Island, Osaka, Japan.
The government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, TANTRADE, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, and the Ministry of Trade and Industry Development – SMZ, has confirmed the country’s participation in this global event.
Expo 2025, with the theme "Empowering Communities for Sustainable Life," is designed to unite nations in finding solutions to modern challenges, and Tanzania aims to use this opportunity to connect its domestic production with international markets, promote investment, and advance its infrastructure.
Dr. Selemani Jafo, Tanzania’s Minister of Industry and Trade, explained that the country’s participation would be centered around the sub-theme "Connecting Lives."
This theme reflects Tanzania's vision of creating strong links between local production and global markets, as well as fostering growth in business, tourism, and modern infrastructure.
"Expo 2025 Osaka is an opportunity for Tanzania to highlight the immense potential of our nation to the world," Dr. Jafo stated during a press briefing on April 8, 2025, in Dodoma.
Tanzania is set to attract over 28 million visitors to its pavilion, which will feature a 53-square-meter space with a 15-meter commercial area.
The pavilion will showcase strategic projects aimed at attracting investors and tourists from across the globe.
"Tanzania’s pavilion will serve as a platform to present strategic projects that appeal to investors and tourists from across the globe," Dr. Jafo said, emphasizing the importance of using this platform to boost Tanzania’s global standing.
The country’s history of participation in world expos dates back to 1967, and its recent success at Expo 2020 Dubai is particularly noteworthy.
"In Expo 2020 Dubai, Tanzania successfully secured 36 agreements worth $8 billion (approximately TZS 18.5 trillion) and attracted 928,469 visitors. This success enabled Tanzanian companies to effectively market their products and services to a broader international audience," Dr. Jafo recounted.
The expo's outcomes served as a catalyst for Tanzania’s increased visibility on the international stage.
Expo 2025 Osaka will feature eight specialized programs focusing on critical sectors such as tourism, healthcare, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, technology, and women’s empowerment.
Tanzania plans to engage in these programs by highlighting the nation's strengths in these areas and establishing new partnerships.
Dr. Jafo mentioned that one of the major highlights of Tanzania’s participation will be Tanzania Day on May 25, 2025.
"On Tanzania Day, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa will serve as the guest of honor, and the day will be used to showcase the country’s attractions while promoting business cooperation with global partners," he said.
The following day, May 26, 2025, Tanzania will host a Business, Investment, and Tourism Conference, providing a platform for in-depth discussions between Tanzanian stakeholders and international companies, especially those from Japan.
"The conference will provide a space for meaningful dialogue between local stakeholders and international businesses, helping to strengthen Tanzania’s economic ties with other nations," Dr. Jafo added.
To ensure the success of Tanzania’s participation, the government has called on public institutions, international organizations, and the private sector to actively engage in the preparations and activities for the Expo.
"Both the public and private sectors must use Expo 2025 Osaka as a critical platform to strengthen the national economy through business, technology, tourism, investment, and diplomacy," Dr. Jafo urged.
He also emphasized the importance of collaboration in ensuring that Tanzania’s participation delivers substantial benefits for the country.
Registration for participation is open through the TANTRADE website, allowing interested parties to get involved in the Expo’s activities.
"Tanzania is poised to shine on the global stage – let us unite to strengthen our economy," Dr. Jafo explained, calling for a collective effort to make the most of the global opportunities presented by the Expo.
As Expo 2025 Osaka approaches, Tanzania's participation will be a key moment in its effort to position itself as a leader in global trade, investment, and diplomacy. Through this event, Tanzania aims to showcase its cultural richness, promote its economic opportunities, and build lasting relationships that will benefit its people for years to come.
