Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to be the guest of honour at a national conference that will bring together food vendors, popularly known as Mamalishe and Babalishe, from across the country.
The meeting is scheduled for April 11, 2026 at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam.
Speaking to journalists in the city on Saturday, April 4, 2026, the chairperson of food vendors through the Umoja wa Mamalishe na Babalishe Tanzania, Ms Avijawa Omari, said the group is seeking formal government recognition as a key contributor to the country’s economy.
She said such recognition would help members access loans and other economic opportunities while also supporting job creation among youth and women.
“We are asking the government to officially recognise us. Recognition will make it easier for us to access loans and expand our businesses so that we can create more jobs,” she said.
Ms Omari said the conference will provide a platform for vendors to present their challenges directly to government leaders and discuss ways to improve income, grow businesses and strengthen employment opportunities.
She also called on food vendors across the country to attend the meeting in large numbers to help shape the future of their businesses.
The conference will be held under the theme (Cook Smart, Dress Smart), which aims to improve service standards and enhance the professional image of food vendors.
“We are self-reliant entrepreneurs who feed the nation from morning to night. We ask the community to recognise our contribution and respect the work we do,” she added.
Ms Omari said the sector continues to face various challenges, including health risks and difficult working conditions. However, she noted that many vendors have started adopting clean energy and improved cooking methods to protect their health and improve their businesses.
Babalishe representative, Mr Ngosha, emphasised the importance of unity and cooperation among members to achieve their economic and social goals.
The conference is expected to bring together informal sector stakeholders and senior government leaders to discuss the future of entrepreneurship and employment in the country.
