THE Africa Food Systems Forum 2023 is envisioned to benefit Tanzanians in areas of tourism, skills, knowledge and transfer of technology in the agriculture, livestock and fisheries sectors, said Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Mr Albert Chalamila.
Addressing journalists in Dar es Salaam yesterday ahead of the summit which is expected to convene in the city from September 5-8, this year, Mr Chalamila indicated that preparation of the meeting was on course.
He pointed out that the Africa Food Systems Forum 2023 which will bring together top leaders, think-tanks and implementers eyes to bring inclusive, equitable, sustainable and resilient food systems to address the current global food security crisis.
“Tanzanians will get the opportunity to exchange knowledge in various areas related to sustainable food systems, including agriculture, livestock and fisheries sectors,” said Mr Chalamila.
Besides, he indicated that the platform will help Tanzania to promote its tourist attraction sites and bring various opportunities for trade and investment which are available in the entire value chain of the sectors.
Bringing together over 3000 participants from different countries globally including producers, he noted that investors and traders among others will get the opportunity to exchange experience on the entire food system value chain found in Tanzania.
Among such results include an increase in investment in the agriculture, livestock and fisheries sector, boost tourism, strengthen business, agriculture production and technological advancement among others.
Since the meeting is going to be convened in Dar es Salaam Region, the RC called upon city dwellers to use the opportunities that come with the meeting to acquire knowledge and skills in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, investment as well as gain experience on proper use of modern technology in increasing their productivity.
He observed that the forum is the road for Tanzania to arrive at President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision to ensure there is food sufficiency and achieve its goals of becoming Africa’s food basket.
“In implementing the global agenda of dealing with climate change which has been on the rise and rescuing Africa and the world, it’s critical that we collaborate to boost the sectors for the betterment of Africans,” he said.
He appealed to all hotels in the city to provide good services while taking into consideration that the image of Tanzania will be reflected starting from hotels among other services.
He assured visitors that the state of security has been intensified 24/7 and should not be worried.
For his part, the Managing Director of the Julius Nyerere International Conference Centre (JNICC), Mr Ephraim Mafuru remarked that JNICC is prepared to host all the delegates who will be attending the meeting, indicating that the facility acquired 27 other small conference rooms set for the meeting, noting that all payments for eight consecutive days have been finalised.
He revealed that some of the sessions which will be attended by Heads of State and heads of various institutions will use the main hall at a specified period.
The small venues have been prepared for the side events which will continue taking place parallel with the forum.
Besides, five marque halls each with the capacity to accommodate around 800 people have been prepared outside the main building.
“We are very well prepared to host the summit…the contribution of the JNICC in the entire value chain of conference tourism is quite outstanding,” said Mr Mafuru.
According to him, the government in partnership with AGRF has set aside a budget of around 12.5bn/- for the preparation of the meeting and other operations.
He observed that other service providers including the hospitality industry have prepared 2,600 rooms whose payments have already been done, this implies all hotel occupancy is at 100 per cent full.
As for food, the MD indicated that over 1000 people are embarking on all set ups to ensure attendees get high class services.
He appealed to members of the community to be hospitable to all the guests by offering them all the assistance they will be needing.
He equally urged small and medium entrepreneurs who will get the opportunity to attend the summit to take time to mingle with their counterparts from elsewhere to boost their capabilities in their businesses.
