National cultural festival sparks economic hopes in Ruvuma
RUVUMA: The Third National Cultural Festival, scheduled from September 20 to 23, 2024, in Ruvuma, has sparked excitement among local businesspeople, residents, and cultural stakeholders.
This event is not only a cultural celebration but also a significant economic opportunity, attracting attention from local, national, and international visitors.
Businesspeople are particularly optimistic about the expected influx of over 5,000 visitors, which could provide a major boost to the local economy. Sectors such as hospitality, food services, transportation, and artisanal crafts are gearing up for increased demand.
Tito Mbilinyi, popularly known as Mwilamu, one of the local entrepreneurs believes, “the festival provides a major opportunity for the business community.”
Guesthouses, lodges, and hotels in Songea and surrounding areas are preparing to accommodate visitors, while small-scale food vendors and taxi operators anticipate a surge in business.
Additionally, artisans selling hand-crafted goods are expecting to attract both local and international buyers, offering unique souvenirs.
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President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to preside over the inaugural ceremony. Locals have rushed to conclude, the event brings a unique opportunity to boost the region’s economy.
Like others, Mbilinyi emphasizes that the festival offers crucial opportunities for the region’s economy, urging regional leaders to continue providing such platforms to the private sector. He also praised President Samia for her attentiveness and quick resolution of business challenges when presented.
Upendo Hosia, a hotel entrepreneur in Ruvuma, says “We will use this opportunity to benefit our region economically. The women of Ruvuma are ready to welcome the President with joy, and we promise to showcase the richness of our culture.”
Ruvuma Regional Commissioner, Ahmed Abbas Ahmed, urged businesspeople to continue working together to ensure the success of the event, which aims to promote the culture of Ruvuma and drive growth in various economic sectors.
Tentatively, the commissioner said this year’s festival provides a platform to promote the cultural and natural heritage of Ruvuma, with local pride in traditions and customs growing alongside economic opportunities.
“By showcasing the diversity of over 120 ethnic groups from across Tanzania, the event is expected to enhance cultural continuity and foster a sense of unity,” he said.
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Local tourism is also set to benefit, the Regional Commissioner added. “Ruvuma’s historical sites and natural attractions will become more visible to both domestic and international tourists.”
He emphasized that many tour operators and guides are preparing packages to capitalize on the heightened interest in the region.
The Festival: A Cultural and Economic Opportunity
Ruvuma’s Regional Administrative Secretary, Mary Makondo, told reporters this week that the festival is significant for showcasing and preserving the cultural heritage of Tanzania’s diverse ethnic groups.
This festival has been gaining momentum since the initial festival in which President Samia was named the Great Chief – Chief Hangaya.
Also the event provides a platform for community engagement in music, dance, traditional clothing, and cuisine. Additionally, it is expected to attract both local and international tourists and investors, contributing to the region’s revenue and boosting the local economy.
Makondo explained that the festival has gained popularity each year, bringing together Tanzanians from different regions and international visitors to celebrate traditional cultures. It is also a key tool for strengthening national unity through arts and cultural traditions.
The Minister of Culture, Arts, and Sports, Dr. Damas Ndumbaro, highlighted that the festival will offer various business opportunities, including exhibitions of traditional products, food, and transportation.
“The festival will also feature workshops and discussions for stakeholders in the cultural, arts, and sports sectors,” he told reporters in Songea on Monday.
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Daily performances by cultural groups will celebrate Tanzania’s diverse traditions through music, dance, and fashion shows.
According to the Minister, workshops and forums will also provide training and education to stakeholders in the arts, culture, and tourism sectors, focusing on leveraging cultural assets for economic growth.
“The festival offers economic and cultural synergies by promoting youth engagement and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups such as women and young entrepreneurs,” Dr. Ndumbaro said.
Opportunities for Artists and Entrepreneurs
The Minister said local artisans and businesspeople are set to benefit from the festival’s large audience, including international tourists.
“Special programs for the youth will promote cultural education and entrepreneurship, aligning with the government’s efforts to encourage youth involvement in national development,” he added.
He detailed that the festival will enable traditional artists and handicraft entrepreneurs to sell their works to a large audience, including tourists and international guests, helping them increase their income. “Exhibitions of handicrafts such as wood carvings, basket weaving, and painting will be a unique feature of the festival,” the minister said.
Beyond entertainment, the cultural festival also plays a role in promoting cultural tourism in the country, while helping reduce ethnic conflicts, fostering unity and cohesion through the celebration of cultural diversity.
Businesspeople in the Ruvuma region have pledged their support for the festival and are committed to contributing to its success. It is clear that the Third National Cultural Festival is expected to have a positive impact on the region’s economy and society, providing a major platform for cultural and commercial development in Tanzania as a whole.
Authorities have assured that this year’s festival aims to be environmentally sustainable, with measures in place to reduce its environmental impact through waste management initiatives and the use of eco-friendly materials.
