By Alfred Zacharia
Tanzania is using the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), populaarly known as Saba Saba to reposition itself as a regional trade and manufacturing hub, with the government betting on exports, digitalisation and industrial investment to drive the country's next phase of economic growth.
The Golden Jubilee edition of the annual trade fair comes at a time when Tanzania is seeking to expand the global footprint of locally manufactured products while enabling businesses to tap into opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Running from June 28 to July 13, the exhibition is expected to host 3,891 local exhibitors and more than 430 international exhibitors from over 23 countries, attracting nearly 600,000 visitors and reinforcing its status as East Africa's premier trade and investment platform.
Held under the theme "International Trade Fair, Saba Saba – the Pride of Tanzania" and the sub-theme "Tanzanian Products More Internationally and Tanzanian Businesses More Digitally," this year's event reflects a shift from simply showcasing products to creating business partnerships, attracting investment and opening new export markets.
Industry and Trade Minister Judith Kapinga said the Golden Jubilee represents a new chapter in Tanzania's industrial development strategy.
"The Golden Jubilee is not simply a celebration of 50 years of Saba Saba. It demonstrates Tanzania's commitment to making our products more competitive internationally while ensuring our businesses embrace digital technologies," she said.
The fair is expected to generate more than 2,800 direct and indirect jobs, benefiting manufacturers, logistics firms, hotels, retailers and other service providers.
A key feature of this year's exhibition is Karume Hall, where companies from more than 23 countries will display industrial machinery, manufacturing technologies and production equipment expected to support Tanzania's drive towards value addition and industrial competitiveness.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade will also showcase innovations developed by Tanzanian youth, giving local entrepreneurs an opportunity to connect with investors, technology partners and potential buyers.
Digital transformation has become another defining feature of this year's exhibition.
For the first time, organisers have replaced paper tickets with a fully electronic visitor management system through the TanTrade Biashara App. Visitors will purchase digital tickets, access the grounds using QR-code technology and navigate the exhibition through Wi-Fi-enabled digital maps, with dedicated ICT teams available to provide technical support throughout the event.
Beyond technology, organisers have upgraded exhibition halls, administrative offices, food courts, temporary pavilions and water and sanitation facilities to improve visitor experience and accommodate higher attendance.
Recognising that access to markets alone is not enough, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will also operate a Trade Business Clinic throughout the exhibition. The clinic will bring together key public institutions, including BRELA, the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) and TanTrade, to provide real-time support on business registration, standards certification, regulatory compliance and investment procedures.
The initiative is expected to reduce regulatory bottlenecks while helping entrepreneurs formalise and expand their businesses.
Entry fees have been maintained at Sh3,000 for adults and Sh1,000 for children, increasing to Sh4,000 on July 7, traditionally the busiest day of the exhibition.
Vehicle entry will cost Sh10,000, while a premium VIP package has been introduced for business executives seeking dedicated parking, internal transport and exclusive hospitality services.
As the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair marks five decades, this year's edition is expected to do more than celebrate its history. It will test Tanzania's ambition to transform the exhibition into a regional marketplace where investment is secured, exports are expanded and local businesses build stronger links with continental and global markets.
