Dar seeks gains from women’s conference

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA is expected to strengthen its regional diplomatic standing, expand trade opportunities and deepen cooperation among Great Lakes countries by hosting the 2026 Women Parliamentary Conference (WPC), which will bring together more than 300 participants from 12 countries.

Scheduled for tomorrow until Thursday in Dar es Salaam, the conference will provide Tanzania with an important platform to advance regional integration, promote peace and security and strengthen women’s participation in political leadership and decision-making.

Speaking yesterday in Dar es Salaam after assessing the preparations for the meeting, Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Mussa Zungu, said hosting the conference reflects growing international confidence in Tanzania as a peaceful, stable and democratic country.

He said the country’s ability to attract major international and regional parliamentary gatherings demonstrates its increasing recognition within the international community.

“Just about two weeks ago, we hosted a major gathering of parliaments from across the world in Arusha. The world chose Tanzania as the venue for that important meeting, and we sincerely thank President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan for accepting and supporting the event to ensure its success,” he said.

Mr Zungu said Tanzania’s selection to host another major regional gathering shortly afterwards further demonstrates its growing diplomatic influence.

He said the conference would bring together parliamentary leaders and other stakeholders to discuss issues affecting the Great Lakes region, particularly peace, security, development, trade and regional cooperation.

Held under the theme, “For a Peaceful and Developed Great Lakes Region,” the meeting seeks to strengthen cooperation among participating countries and promote women’s contributions to parliamentary diplomacy, peacebuilding and sustainable development.

Mr Zungu said the gathering would also enable participating countries to exchange experiences, strengthen solidarity and develop common approaches to addressing regional challenges.

For Tanzania, he said, hosting the conference presents opportunities to deepen bilateral and multilateral relations, promote economic interests and explore new trade and investment partnerships.

President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to officially open the conference, while Democratic Republic of Congo Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka will attend as special guest.

Other expected dignitaries include Angola’s National Assembly Speaker, Adolf Francisco Colera De Almeida; Kenya’s Senate Speaker, Amason Jeffa Kingi; and Uganda’s Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Odoch Oboth.

Others are DRC National Assembly Speaker Aimé Boji Sangara, Zanzibar House of Representatives Speaker Zubeir Ali Maulid, Zambia’s Deputy Speaker Malungo Chisagano and East African Legislative Assembly Speaker Joseph Ntakirutimana.

Mr Zungu called on Tanzanians to demonstrate hospitality, discipline and environmental responsibility to ensure visiting delegates enjoy a positive experience.

He urged citizens to act as ambassadors of the country by showcasing its culture, unity and hospitality.

The conference is expected to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy, promote political dialogue and build mutual understanding while advancing shared development priorities across the Great Lakes region.