Mozambique President Daniel Francisco Chapo on Friday officially opened the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), popularly known as Sabasaba, using the occasion to call for stronger economic integration between Tanzania and Mozambique through expanded trade, investment and cross-border infrastructure development.
The opening ceremony, held at the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Grounds in Kurasini, marked the golden jubilee of Tanzania's flagship international trade exhibition and drew President Samia Suluhu Hassan, senior government officials, diplomats, investors, captains of industry and business delegations from across Africa and beyond.
President Chapo said Tanzania and Mozambique share a historic relationship founded on solidarity and mutual trust, but stressed that the next phase of the partnership should be defined by stronger commercial ties capable of delivering tangible economic benefits to citizens of both countries.
He said the two neighbouring nations should take advantage of their strategic geographic position, growing markets and improving transport networks to promote cross-border commerce, attract joint investments and develop infrastructure that facilitates regional trade.
"The strength of our historical relations should now be reflected in stronger economic cooperation that creates jobs, expands business opportunities and improves the livelihoods of our people," President Chapo said.
His remarks come as both countries continue implementing regional integration commitments under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), initiatives designed to increase intra-African trade and reduce barriers to investment.
For her part, President Samia reaffirmed Tanzania's commitment to economic diplomacy, saying the government would continue implementing reforms aimed at creating a more competitive and predictable business environment.
She said sustained improvements in the investment climate have positioned Tanzania as an increasingly attractive destination for domestic and foreign investors, while enabling the private sector to play a greater role in industrialisation, economic growth and employment creation.
President Samia said the partnership between Tanzania and Mozambique should continue producing practical outcomes through collaboration in strategic sectors, including trade, energy, transport, manufacturing, agriculture and tourism.
She noted that stronger bilateral cooperation would not only stimulate economic growth in both countries but also contribute to broader regional development by improving connectivity and facilitating the movement of goods, services and capital.
President Samia also thanked President Chapo for accepting her invitation to preside over the landmark event, describing his participation as another milestone in the enduring friendship between the two neighbouring countries.
She recalled that Mozambique has maintained a special place in the history of the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair, noting that the 1999 edition was officially opened by former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano, while the 2024 exhibition was inaugurated by another former Mozambican leader, Filipe Nyusi.
This year's exhibition celebrates five decades of the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair, which has grown into one of East and Central Africa's leading trade and investment platforms, bringing together governments, manufacturers, exporters, innovators and investors to showcase products, technologies and business opportunities.
Beyond commemorating its 50-year journey, this year's fair underscores Tanzania's growing emphasis on trade-led economic transformation and regional economic integration, with stronger partnerships expected to drive industrial development, boost exports and expand investment opportunities across the region.
