As the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), much known as Saba Saba celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the government says the event has evolved from a local exhibition into a strategic platform for trade, investment and economic transformation.
Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila said the Golden Jubilee edition of Saba Saba reflects both Tanzania's economic progress over the past five decades and its ambitions for the future.
"Saba Saba is not just an exhibition. It is a national economic institution that has helped businesses grow, connected producers with markets and contributed to the country's development for 50 years," Chalamila said.
The fair, which runs from June 28 to July 13, comes at a time when Tanzania is seeking to expand exports, strengthen industrial production and attract more investment. More than 3,000 exhibitors and representatives from 23 countries are expected to participate, making it one of the largest editions in the event's history.
According to Chalamila, the growing international participation demonstrates increasing confidence in Tanzania's economy and its role as a regional business hub.
"The presence of countries from Africa, Asia and the Middle East shows that Tanzania is becoming an important destination for trade and investment. This is a result of our country's economic and diplomatic progress," he said.
For Tanzania, the challenge is no longer simply producing goods but ensuring local products reach international markets.
Chalamila said export growth remains critical for generating foreign exchange, creating jobs and supporting industrialisation.
"We want Tanzanian businesses to think beyond local markets. The future of our economy depends on our ability to compete regionally and globally. Saba Saba provides that opportunity," he said.
The emphasis on exports aligns with broader government efforts to increase the value of Tanzanian products sold abroad while reducing dependence on imports.
Digital trade is another major focus of this year's exhibition.
Organisers are encouraging businesses to adopt digital marketing tools, online trading platforms and product identification systems such as barcodes to improve visibility and competitiveness.
"The world is changing rapidly. A business that cannot be found online is increasingly becoming invisible to potential customers. Technology is no longer optional; it is essential," Chalamila said.
The Regional Commissioner said digital tools could help small and medium-sized enterprises overcome traditional barriers to market access and connect directly with buyers.
This is particularly important because many of Tanzania's small businesses produce quality goods but lack access to wider commercial networks.
"The objective is to ensure that economic opportunities are not limited to large companies. Small traders and entrepreneurs must also benefit from growing markets," he said.
That goal is reflected in the fair's focus on linking smaller businesses to larger supply chains through what organisers describe as a "markets for the poor" approach.
Chalamila also pointed to Dar es Salaam's growing importance in regional trade.
The city, Tanzania's commercial capital, continues to benefit from investments in transport, logistics and infrastructure. Projects such as the Kwala dry port are expected to strengthen its position as a gateway for cargo moving across East and Central Africa.
"Dar es Salaam is not only serving Tanzania. It is increasingly serving the region. Infrastructure investments are creating opportunities that will support trade for decades to come," he said.
The fair therefore arrives at a time when the city is positioning itself as a major commercial and logistics centre.
At the same time, authorities are preparing for the large crowds expected during the 16-day exhibition. Security agencies, transport providers and health officials have been mobilised to ensure smooth operations throughout the event.
"We want every visitor, exhibitor and investor to enjoy the exhibition in a safe and secure environment. Security and public safety remain our top priorities," Chalamila said.
As Tanzania marks the 50th anniversary of Saba Saba, Chalamila said the event should be viewed not only as a celebration of the past but also as a platform for future growth.
"The Golden Jubilee gives us an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come. More importantly, it challenges us to think about where we want Tanzania to be in the next 50 years," he said.
For Tanzania, the anniversary highlights a broader economic transition. What began as a domestic trade exhibition has become a platform where discussions on exports, technology, investment and regional integration increasingly shape the country's development agenda.
"Saba Saba remains a source of national pride because it demonstrates the creativity, resilience and potential of Tanzanians. It is a fair that continues to grow together with the nation," Chalamila said.
