Tanzanian authorities are racing to complete preparations for the 50th edition of the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), with organisers positioning the Golden Jubilee event as a platform to deepen trade, attract investment and showcase the country's growing manufacturing and innovation sectors.
Temeke District Commissioner Sixtus Mapunda, after inspecting ongoing works at the fairgrounds, said preparations were largely on track ahead of the June 28 opening, although some government institutions had yet to complete exhibition stands.
"We are expecting the exhibition to officially begin on June 28," Mapunda told reporters. "This year is special because the fair is celebrating 50 years since it was established."
The annual exhibition, commonly known as Saba Saba, has evolved from a domestic trade showcase into one of East Africa's largest business networking events, attracting exhibitors from across Africa, Asia and Europe. This year's anniversary edition is expected to test Tanzania's ability to leverage trade exhibitions as a tool for industrialisation and export promotion.
Mapunda said the pace of construction at some stands inside Karume Hall, where government agencies, municipalities and local authorities are located, remained below expectations.
"We only have seven days from today before the deadline," he said. "Our arrangement requires all exhibitors to complete their stands by June 20 and finish branding so visitors can immediately see that this year's exhibition celebrates 50 years."
The remarks highlight a recurring challenge facing large-scale trade events in Tanzania, where organisers often push for last-minute completion of exhibition infrastructure while seeking to maintain international standards.
For Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade), however, the focus is not only on logistics but also on expanding the event's international footprint.
TanTrade Director General Dr. Latifa Mohamed Khamis said preparations were progressing well and that the authority had designed a broad programme intended to attract businesses, researchers, investors and ordinary citizens.
"We have organised ourselves so that every visitor can find opportunities through these exhibitions," she said.
According to Dr. Latifa, 23 countries have already confirmed participation, alongside 256 foreign companies and more than 2,776 local exhibitors, underscoring growing interest in Tanzania as a regional trade and investment destination.
The participation figures suggest that despite global economic uncertainties, businesses continue to view Tanzania's market of more than 60 million people as strategically important for expansion into East and Central Africa.
Analysts say the strong international turnout could also reflect increased confidence in Tanzania's economic reforms and infrastructure investments, particularly in transport, energy and digital connectivity.
To commemorate the Golden Jubilee, organisers have introduced several new programmes, including a "Golden Night" event that will celebrate the evolution of trade and commerce in Tanzania over the past five decades.
"We will have a special Golden Jubilee night where we recognise winners and celebrate this milestone," Dr. Latifa said.
Other activities will include a Fashion Night, a public walkathon promoting locally manufactured products under the "Made in Tanzania" campaign, and a range of entertainment events designed to attract families and younger audiences.
Beyond celebrations, organisers are placing considerable emphasis on technology and innovation.
Exhibitors from Tanzania and abroad are expected to showcase digital platforms, emerging technologies and modern business solutions, reflecting the country's broader push towards a digital economy.
The fair is also expected to provide a significant business-to-business (B2B) networking platform where companies can explore partnerships, identify new markets and negotiate investment deals.
Mapunda urged residents of Dar es Salaam and neighbouring regions to attend the exhibition, arguing that visitors would gain exposure to products, services and tourism opportunities that are not readily available elsewhere.
"You will find tourism opportunities, products from across Tanzania and products from other countries that are not easy to access," he said.
As Tanzania seeks to accelerate industrial growth, increase exports and attract foreign investment, the success of the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair will be closely watched as an indicator of both business confidence and the country's ambitions to strengthen its position as a regional commercial hub.
