By Alfred Zacharia
Local visitors to this year’s Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DTIF), popularly known as Sabasaba, will enjoy extended entertainment hours until 10 PM, in a move aimed at enhancing public engagement and promoting domestic products.
The Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) announced that local exhibitors will be allowed to operate their booths until 8 PM, two hours longer than the previous closing time.
Foreign exhibitors will, however, maintain the standard 6 PM closing time.
Beyond the business segment, entertainment programmes, including cultural performances, music, and live shows, will continue in designated areas of the fairgrounds until 10 PM.
The extension is expected to enrich the visitor experience and boost attendance during the evening hours.
TanTrade Director General, Ms Latifa Khamis, disclosed the changes during a final inspection of the fairgrounds at the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Trade Fair Grounds, accompanied by Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Mr Albert Chalamila.
She said the operational guidelines for the new schedules will be issued at the opening of the fair.
“This year, we have introduced several digital improvements, including an online system for booth selection and payments, and mobile ticket purchases through all telecom networks,” Ms Khamis said.
The 49th edition of DTIF, scheduled to begin in two days, is set to feature upgraded services and expanded thematic content.
Among the highlights are specialized exhibition villages, including one coordinated by the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Sports, where visitors will enjoy performances by local artists and entertainment groups based on a daily programme.
Another major attraction will be a football village hosted by the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) where Leading clubs, including Yanga, Simba, Namungo, and Azam will showcase their trophies and interact with fans.
“We want the fair to go beyond trade by creating memorable experiences that reflect the diversity and dynamism of Tanzanian talent,” Ms Khamis said.
Speaking during the visit, Regional Commissioner Mr Chalamila praised the fair’s evolving structure and called on Dar es Salaam residents to take part in person rather than simply admiring it from afar.
“Dar es Salaam is not just any region, it is a trade hub, home to a port that serves multiple landlocked nations in the region. Hosting DTIF here is no coincidence; it is strategic,” he said.
He stressed that trade plays a critical role in shaping national development. “Trade is central to boosting GDP and reducing poverty. Events like DTIF stimulate economic activity and showcase the strength of our domestic industries.”
Mr Chalamila further noted that economic development directly supports national security. “Today, a secure nation is not built on guns alone. Food security, environmental sustainability, and stable livelihoods are also key. If we fail in those areas, we risk political and social unrest.”
He linked the exhibition to Tanzania’s renewed foreign policy direction, describing it as a symbol of international diplomacy.
“This is more than a trade fair, it reflects our country’s global relationships and our commitment to regional and international cooperation,” he noted.
Temeke District Commissioner Mr Sixtus Mapunda echoed the sentiment, saying this year’s preparations have been more advanced than in previous years.
“We’ve strengthened our logistics and security systems, both visible and invisible to ensure the safety of participants and visitors,” he said.
“Heavy and overloaded trucks will no longer be allowed. A structured system is in place to manage all exhibitor supplies.”
As DTIF 2025 prepares to open its doors, the combination of modern technology, improved organisation, and extended hours signals a new era for one of East Africa’s largest trade showcases.