By Alfred Zacharia
This year’s 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), famously known as Sabasaba, is not just another event on Tanzania’s commercial calendar, it is fast shaping into a global business magnet.
With 31 countries expected to participate, organizers setting an ambitious revenue target of TZS 5 to 7 billion, a leap from last year’s TZS 3.7 billion.
This was revealed on recently by the Director General of the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TANTRADE), Latifa Khamis, during a press briefing in the city.
The fair, which will take place from June 28 to July 13 at the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Grounds in Dar es Salaam, is expected to draw 395 exhibitors, including high-level international delegates and regional innovators.
“This year’s exhibition is like no other. It will be driven by technology and focused on unlocking new local, regional, and international markets for Tanzanian products and services,” said Latifa.
With global giants like China, South Korea, Japan, India, Italy, Switzerland, and Malaysia already confirming attendance, the Sabasaba fair is swiftly becoming a symbol of Tanzania’s rising profile as a gateway to East and Central Africa’s trade opportunities.
African neighbors Rwanda, Burundi, Namibia, Mozambique, and Ghana are also on board, strengthening regional integration and creating a vibrant platform for intra-Africa trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
“Our goal is to provide a world-class stage where Tanzanian producers can meet buyers, investors, and technology partners from across the globe,” added Latifa.
One of the most notable shifts this year is TANTRADE’s emphasis on digital systems.
For the first time in the event’s history, the entire application and registration process has moved online, simplifying access for international and domestic exhibitors alike.
A dedicated Sabasaba System Platform is set to be launched during the fair to address visitor challenges, streamline logistics for cargo movement, and offer real-time business matchmaking tools.
In addition, the fair will host a business clinic, along with workshops and knowledge-sharing seminars for both Tanzanian and foreign participants.
While the international profile is rising, TANTRADE is placing equal weight on empowering local businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The platform will help them showcase their goods and services to foreign buyers and adopt modern packaging, distribution, and production technologies.
Latifa extended a strong call to action to ministries, government agencies, private companies, regions, councils, and entrepreneurs to register and participate in the fair.
“This is not just an exhibition—it’s a national opportunity to learn, to connect, and to grow. Every participant stands to gain in visibility, knowledge, and market access,” she emphasized.
At its heart, Sabasaba is more than a trade fair—it’s a bridge between Tanzanian ambition and global opportunity. Whether it’s an entrepreneur from Mbeya hoping to export organic spices to Dubai, or a Swiss technology firm looking to introduce smart irrigation tools in Dodoma, the 2025 edition promises to be a melting pot of possibilities.
With just over a month to go, the anticipation is palpable. And if TANTRADE’s momentum holds, Sabasaba 2025 could very well be the most impactful trade showcase Tanzania has ever hosted.