Kariakoo officially starts 24-hour business operation

DAR ES SALAAM: HISTORY has been made in Tanzania as the government has officially launched 24-hour, seven-day-a-week business operations at the Kariakoo International Market in Dar es Salaam.

The landmark decision, implemented on Thursday, 2025, marks the end of a long-standing tradition where the market operated for only 12 hours a day.

The phrase “Close the shop, time is up” is now a thing of the past at Kariakoo, a major trade hub attracting businesses from across Tanzania and neighboring countries.

The launch, officiated by Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila, fulfills a government plan initiated in 2023. In 2024, President Samia Suluhu Hassan directed Minister of Industry and Trade Dr Selemani Jafo to ensure the market operates round the clock.

The directive was issued on July 5, 2024, during the swearing-in of various government officials in took place at the Zanzibar State House.

Speaking at the event, attended by senior officials including the Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo to Tanzania and the National Chairperson of Traders, Chalamila highlighted the presence of key infrastructure including the port, Magufuli Bus Terminal, Julius Nyerere International Airport, and 24-hour social services as key factors in the decision to extend business hours.

Chalamila urged traders to take advantage of this opportunity and support the government’s initiative. He announced plans to introduce special discounts for customers shopping between midnight and 5 AM as an incentive to boost overnight trade.

To further support young entrepreneurs, he said the regional government will work with the Traders’ Association to offer stock on credit, allowing them to repay gradually as they make sales, with the government acting as guarantor.

“Young graduates who have completed their university studies should come to Dar es Salaam and engage in business. We will collaborate with traders to develop a plan where they receive stock on credit and repay as they sell,” Chalamila said.

He also reaffirmed that he will negotiate with telecom companies to provide free WiFi or offer discounted internet access across Kariakoo to support online businesses.

He also announced that he plans to engage in talks with financial institutions to reduce interest rates for traders adopting the 24-hour model.

“The Governor of the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has already approved for banks to support round-the-clock business operations,” Chalamila said.

He said he plans to establish a special committee next week to review and amend conflicting municipal by-laws, with recommendations sent to the Minister of Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI) to facilitate the transition.

ALSO READ: BoT: Financial sector stable, resilient

Security remains a top priority, Dar es Salaam Regional Administrative Secretary Dr Toba Nguvila announced that the city council has signed a 514mil/- contract with the Tanzania Electrical, Mechanical and Electronics Services Agency (TAMESA) to install 40 CCTV cameras in the market, a project set to begin on March 1, 2025.

“The installation of these cameras will enhance safety for traders and shoppers,” Dr. Nguvila said.

He also announced that Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) has also started replacing wooden electricity poles with concrete ones to improve power infrastructure, with 90percent of the work already completed.

Furthermore, he said in a partnership with the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) and the city council, 730 new streetlights will be installed to ensure adequate lighting across Kariakoo.

“Law enforcement agencies have assured the public of enhanced police patrols to maintain security in the area”, he noted. Religious leader Apostle Boniface Mwamposa of Arise and Shine Ministries described the launch as a spiritual and economic breakthrough, predicting significant business growth.

“From today, you will witness transformation across Dar es Salaam. This move takes courage, and I commend the government for its boldness. Every good initiative faces opposition, but this is a step in the right direction,” he said.

Traders welcomed the decision, expressing optimism that extended hours will boost their earnings and create more job opportunities.

Wholesale buyers from different regions also hailed the initiative, saying it will save them time and allow them to shop at any hour making their trips more productive.