Digital shift turns Sabasaba into tech trade platform

DAR ES SALAAM: THE 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), popularly known as Sabasaba, has distinguished itself from previous editions by placing a strong emphasis on digital solutions and technological innovation.

This year’s event showcased cuttingedge advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), health technology, student-led innovations and e-commerce platforms, all aimed at strengthening key sectors such as agriculture, education, manufacturing and healthcare.

Reflecting the global momentum of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Sabasaba has evolved into a critical platform where entrepreneurs, researchers and young innovators showcase practical solutions with direct community impact across Tanzania.

This digital transformation extended to event organisers as well. Minister for Industry and Trade, Dr Selemani Jafo, announced that the DITF recorded significant growth in both participation and commercial activity, reaffirming its status as a major regional trade hub.

This year, the fair attracted over 3,000 local exhibitors, 394 international companies and participants from 22 countries, drawing more than 2.5 million visitors over the course of the event.

According to the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade), trade volumes reached 7.5bn/-, representing a 1.94 per cent increase compared to the 48th edition.

Notably, 50 per cent of exhibitors secured trade orders worth 44.8bn/-, a milestone for participating businesses.

TanTrade Director General, Ms Latifa Khamis said that 70 per cent of exhibitors met their business objectives, including market expansion, securing distribution agents and signing supply contracts.

These outcomes underscore the fair’s growing influence in facilitating both local and international trade and supporting long-term business growth.

To improve efficiency and enhance visitor experience, TanTrade embraced digital tools throughout event operations.

Key processes such as booth allocation and payment systems were fully digitalised, significantly reducing wait times and eliminating queues.

“Last year, ticket purchases were limited to one telecom provider. This year, all major mobile networks were integrated, making access much easier,” said Ms Khamis.

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A new feature of this year’s fair was the introduction of thematic villages. One such village, hosted by the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, offered vibrant entertainment and cultural showcases that celebrated Tanzania’s heritage and attracted large crowds.

Transport and logistics were also significantly improved.

In contrast to previous years, when long walks between exhibition zones discouraged participation, especially among the elderly and people with disabilities, this year’s event featured special shuttle services at affordable rates, greatly enhancing accessibility.

Visitors could navigate the fair more easily using TanTrade’s upgraded website and mobile app, which provided interactive maps and step-by-step directions to specific booths, eliminating confusion and saving time.

Ms Khamis noted that approximately 1.5 million people visited the fair on Sabasaba Day alone.

To further streamline operations, the Tanzania Postal Corporation managed goods transportation for exhibitors, reducing congestion and replacing what had previously been a chaotic system dominated by unregulated vendors.

The shuttle system allowed attendees to move conveniently between zones, with fares ranging between 1,000/- and 2,000/- depending on the mode of transport.

This enhancement improved overall visitor satisfaction. Ms Subeda Dadi, a visitor from Temeke, praised the improvements in booth layout and internal transport.

“This year’s fair resolved mobility issues with shuttle services, making it easier for elderly and disabled attendees to explore more zones,” she said.

Exhibitors also lauded a livelier and more dynamic fair, particularly in the food and trade sectors.

“This year, the organisers excelled, especially in managing entrance queues,” said Mr Haruna Bakema, manager of Weichai Tanzania Service Centre, a supplier of heavy-duty machinery. Prisca Lucas, a resident of Tegeta, agreed.

“In past years, entrance lines were a major headache. This time, I got in smoothly on both days I attended.” However, she acknowledged that Sabasaba Day remained congested. “People began arriving as early as 7:30 a.m., and by the afternoon, the grounds were packed—even with multiple entry points. The turnout was overwhelming.”