More than 3,000 companies and 23 countries have confirmed participation in Tanzania's 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), highlighting growing interest in East Africa's largest economy as it seeks to attract investment, promote local manufacturing and expand regional trade links.
The annual exhibition, popularly known as Saba Saba, will open on June 28 and marks 50 years since its establishment, a milestone that organisers hope will strengthen its role as a platform for business networking, investment promotion and export development.
Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) Director General Latifa Mohamed Khamis said 256 foreign companies and more than 2,776 local firms had already confirmed participation, while registrations continued.
"So far, 23 countries have confirmed participation. We also have 256 foreign companies and more than 2,776 local companies that have already confirmed," Khamis told reporters during an inspection of preparations at the exhibition grounds.
The figures suggest sustained business interest in Tanzania despite a challenging global economic environment, with companies increasingly viewing the country as a gateway to the East African Community and the wider African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The trade fair has become one of the region's most important commercial events, attracting manufacturers, technology firms, financial institutions, exporters and government agencies seeking to showcase products, explore partnerships and secure new markets.
Khamis said this year's Golden Jubilee edition would feature expanded programmes aimed at attracting investors, entrepreneurs and consumers, while showcasing Tanzania's industrial and technological progress.
"We have prepared to make this exhibition bigger and unique. We want every visitor, whether a businessperson, researcher or ordinary citizen, to find opportunities here," she said.
Among the new attractions are a Golden Jubilee celebration event, a fashion showcase and a public walkathon promoting locally manufactured products under the "Made in Tanzania" campaign.
Organisers are also placing greater emphasis on technology and innovation, with exhibitors expected to showcase digital solutions and emerging technologies as Tanzania accelerates efforts to modernise its economy and expand digital adoption.
For businesses, the exhibition offers opportunities to hold business-to-business meetings, identify potential partners and explore investment opportunities in sectors ranging from manufacturing and agriculture to telecommunications and financial services.
Temeke District Commissioner Sixtus Mapunda, who toured the exhibition grounds, said preparations were progressing well overall but urged exhibitors to complete construction and branding of their stands before a June 20 deadline.
"We expect the exhibition to officially begin on June 28. This year is special because it marks 50 years since the fair was established," Mapunda said.
He said some government institutions allocated space in Karume Hall were lagging behind schedule and needed to accelerate construction work to ensure readiness before the opening.
Mapunda also called on Tanzanians and visitors from neighbouring countries to attend the event, saying it would provide access to a wide range of products, services and investment opportunities from Tanzania and abroad.
The fair comes as Tanzania seeks to boost industrial output, expand exports and attract foreign direct investment as part of broader efforts to sustain economic growth and strengthen its position as a regional trade and logistics hub.
