DITF 2025 set to attract record turnout

DODOMA: At least 15 foreign countries and 24 international companies have confirmed their participation in the 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), with more expected as the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) continues to receive applications.

Speaking during a press briefing held in Dodoma on Tuesday, TanTrade Director General Ms Latifa Khamis said the upcoming fair—scheduled from June 28 to July 13, 2025, at the Mwalimu Nyerere Fair Grounds—will feature several enhancements aimed at boosting both local and international engagement.

“Countries that have already confirmed include China, South Korea, Dubai, Malaysia, India, Japan, Ghana, Italy, Syria, Switzerland, Burundi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda and Indonesia,” said Ms Khamis.

She noted that 395 international exhibitors have already registered, and the number is expected to grow to at least 501, alongside 3,680 local exhibitors.

Themed “Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair ‘Sabasaba’, Pride of Tanzania”, the event is set to highlight the country’s potential in trade, manufacturing, investment and innovation.

To enhance the visitor experience and increase public engagement, TanTrade, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Sports, has introduced new entertainment features. These include live performances by local artists and cultural shows aimed at drawing more visitors and increasing revenue.

“This year we are focused not only on business but also on creating a festival-like experience that invites broader public participation,” said Ms Khamis.

Electronic ticketing will also be introduced for the first time, allowing attendees to conveniently purchase tickets through designated mobile networks. The move is expected to ease entry logistics and increase efficiency.

Several key programmes will begin on June 26, including the selection of the best exhibition pavilion, along with seminars targeting both local and international exhibitors. The official opening of the fair will take place on July 3.

The 2025 edition will also feature the Sabasaba Urithi Wetu initiative, designed to offer educational exposure to students from rural areas. “Each year we invite schools from five different regions, especially top-performing public schools in rural areas. Private schools coordinate independently,” said a ministry official.

“This programme allows students from underrepresented communities to see and experience Sabasaba for themselves instead of only hearing about it.”

Special themed days will add further vibrancy to the fair. Among them are Made in Tanzania Day, which promotes local goods and services under the banner “Buy Tanzanian Products, Build Tanzania,” as well as Zanzibar Day and India Day.

Ms Khamis said the exhibitions are expected to host a government delegation of no fewer than 55 international guests, highlighting growing diplomatic and commercial interest in Tanzania’s trade and investment opportunities.

In line with digital transformation efforts, TanTrade will also launch a new mobile application—Sabasaba App—to help exhibitors and visitors locate booths, access information, and navigate the grounds more efficiently.

Additionally, TanTrade has partnered with the Tanzania Posts Corporation to introduce a formalised system for transporting goods within and outside the exhibition premises. The service is scheduled to launch officially next month.

“We are phasing out the use of handcarts and moving to a structured system that supports exhibitors and improves overall logistics,” Ms Khamis noted.

She called on ministries, public institutions, local governments, entrepreneurs and the private sector to register early and seize the opportunity to showcase their innovations, build networks and access new markets.