Tanzania is set to significantly expand its capacity to host major international conferences with the construction of the Mount Kilimanjaro International Convention Centre (MK-ICC) in Arusha, which will accommodate up to 5,000 delegates at a time.
Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo said the project would address a longstanding challenge in Tanzania’s meetings and conferences industry, where the country has lacked facilities capable of hosting large gatherings under one roof.
Mr Kombo made the remarks on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, during a meeting between the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security and the ministry in Dodoma.
He said the project was part of the government’s efforts to use economic diplomacy to expand the country’s economic opportunities through conference tourism.
“The project will strengthen our capacity to host national, regional and international meetings while creating opportunities for investment, employment and tourism,” Mr Kombo said.
He added that the centre was expected to increase government revenue and foreign exchange earnings while supporting growth in tourism, trade, transport and other service sectors.
The MK-ICC is being developed through a partnership between the Public Service Social Security Fund (PSSSF) and the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC).
The project will include a main conference hall with a capacity of 5,000 delegates, as well as smaller meeting rooms capable of accommodating between 30 and 500 people.
It will also have a special conference hall for national leaders with a capacity of 300 people and an exhibition hall capable of accommodating up to 10,000 participants.
The development will further include an administrative building and a five-star hotel with 500 rooms, providing accommodation for conference participants and other visitors.
Parking facilities will have capacity for 2,000 vehicles, while supporting external infrastructure will cover about 50,000 square metres.
The project is expected to strengthen Arusha’s position as a regional centre for international meetings, building on the city’s established role in diplomacy, tourism and multilateral engagements.
Members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security welcomed the project, describing it as a strategic investment that could enhance Tanzania’s competitiveness in the global meetings and events industry.
However, they urged the ministry and AICC to ensure adequate preparations for the centre’s operation, particularly in maintaining international standards and delivering quality services.
The committee said the success of the project would depend not only on the infrastructure but also on the quality, efficiency and competitiveness of services offered once the facility becomes operational.
The MK-ICC is therefore expected to provide Tanzania with a larger platform to compete for major international conferences while increasing the economic benefits associated with business and conference tourism.
