Govt urges faster preparations for Saba Saba golden jubilee

DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has called for the accelerated implementation of strategies for the 50th anniversary of the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), warning that delays could undermine the success of the historic event.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Mr Aristides Mbwasi, made the remarks recently during a preparatory committee meeting at the TanTrade offices, stressing the urgency of speeding up preparations to match the significance of the golden jubilee exhibition.

“The 2026 DITF, popularly known as Saba Saba, marks a major milestone and carries substantial potential to stimulate trade expansion and national economic growth. “This is a historic exhibition.

We must increase the pace of implementation to ensure it delivers meaningful impact on the country’s business and economic landscape,” Mr Mbwasi said.

He added that the ministry will collaborate closely with TanTrade to ensure the golden jubilee exhibition leaves a lasting legacy and stands out as a landmark event, not only nationally but also regionally and internationally.

During a presentation of the initial strategy outlining key preparation priorities, TanTrade Director General, Dr Latifa Khamis, said the plan focuses on ensuring high standards of quality, efficiency and innovation, while attracting a larger pool of exhibitors and participants from both domestic and international markets.

Dr Khamis noted that the golden jubilee edition offers a strategic platform to showcase Tanzania’s industrial and commercial progress over the past 50 years, while creating new opportunities for investment, partnerships and technology exchange.

Following the presentation, Mr Mbwasi, who chaired the session, expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far but reiterated the need for faster execution of planned activities.

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Committee members also highlighted the importance of inclusive stakeholder engagement, underscoring the role of the private sector, international organisations and development partners in transforming the fair into a globally competitive trade and investment platform.

They further stressed the need to intensify promotional campaigns both locally and internationally through mainstream media and digital platforms to boost visibility and attract more foreign participants and visitors.

In addition, the committee agreed to strengthen preparations by incorporating innovation, modern technologies and Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage into the exhibition framework.

This, they noted, will help present a comprehensive picture of the country’s development journey in industry and trade over the past five decades.

The meeting concluded with a collective call for national unity and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure Saba Saba 2026 becomes a distinctive, impactful and memorable event that leaves a lasting mark on the nation’s economic history.