Tanzania to reap big from medical expo

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA is set to host the firstever Tanzania International Medical Tourism Expo 2026, a landmark event expected to position the country as a leading medical hub in Africa.

The three-day event, scheduled for March 26–28, next year, will take place in Dar es Salaam under the coordination of the Tanlink Healthcare Foundation (THF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the organising committee in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Director of Tanlink Healthcare Foundation and Chairperson of the committee, Dr Siraj Mtulia said the initiative marks a major step forward in Tanzania’s efforts to strengthen its medical tourism sector.

“This is the first-ever medical expo organised at this highest level,” Dr Mtulia said. “While Tanlink initiated the idea, it has now evolved into a multi-stakeholder platform for the benefit of the entire nation. We believe the event will drive healthcare reforms, particularly in developing infrastructure for medical tourism.”

Dr Mtulia highlighted Tanzania’s strong medical infrastructure and its strategic location as a gateway to neighboring countries, noting that these advantages provide a solid foundation for the success of the expo.

He added that the event, expected to attract over 5,000 participants from across the globe, supports President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision of transforming Tanzania into a regional hub for medical services. The expo also aims to create jobs, stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of healthcare in the country.

Also speaking at the meeting, Coordinator of Public-Private Partnerships and Non-State Actors at the Dar es Salaam Regional Office, Dr Gunini Kamba noted that medical tourism is already embedded in the national development agenda.

“This is not a new concept, but it is now being emphasised more due to its significant economic potential,” he said, adding that many private hospitals are increasingly aligning their services to support medical tourism.

Managing Director at Tanlink Medical Tourism Agency, Dr Fyumagwa Hassan underscored the role of the foundation in driving healthcare infrastructure development and promoting Tanzania as a medical tourism destination.

“While the government, under President Samia’s leadership, has made great strides in healthcare, these achievements need to be showcased both locally and internationally,” he said. “Without proper promotion, people may not fully recognise the progress made. This expo will serve as a platform to display Tanzania’s healthcare achievements to the world.”

The organising committee has already laid out strategic plans to ensure efficient preparation and execution of the event. Stakeholders are optimistic that the Tanzania International Medical Tourism Expo 2026 will become a flagship event, opening new doors in healthcare, tourism, and economic development for the country.