Tanzania ready to host private security enhancement forum

DAR ES SALAAM: THE 2026 Forum on Private Security and Safety (FPSS) has been designed to cement strong working relationship between government institutions and the private security agencies while driving for national development.

Scheduled at Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam on November 7, the forum will be preceded by International Peace and Security Awards (IPSA-Awards) Gala Dinner.

This year’s FPSS will unfold under the theme: “Invest in Peace & Security: Empower Youth for a Secured & Peaceful World” with over 1000 delegates from within and outside the country set to participate.

In his recent media briefing, Tanzania Security and Safety Organisation (TASSO) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr John Gingo said many issues regarding security will be discussed on the day.

“This forum provides a platform where government, the private security industry, development partners, civil society organisations and young people congregate to talk about how private security can serve peace, safety and national development.

“As you know, private security guards protect homes, businesses, banks, fuel stations, transport routes and public events every day…they work closely with police force but this sector faces gaps in training, certification, standards and recognition…these are what the forum aims to address,” Mr Gingo said.

He continued: “The forum looks at professionalism and ethics, training and career pathways, cooperation between private security and public institutions as well as place of youths in the sector.”

Commenting on immediate impacts they expect from the forum, he disclosed that they aim to see a stronger working relationship between government institutions and private security companies.

“Also, we expect to have a shared recommendations on professional standards, training and certification which feed into wider reform conversation for the sector.

“Again, there will be youth empowerment as new partnerships and sponsorship commitments that support youths engagement in private sector will be made as well as public recognition of individuals and organisations that make tangible contributions to peace and security in Tanzania, East Africa, Africa and the entire world,” he said.

Highlighting on the International Peace and Security Awards gala dinner, he revealed that there are five main categories with a total of 27 awards to be presented on the day.

We have Environmental Security (six awards subcategories), Food Security (five awards subcategories), Peace-Bulding (four awards subcategories), Human Security (seven awards subcategories) and Digital Security (one award subcategory).

“In addition, we will present honorary recognition awards to those who deserve them For example, in 2025, we presented honorary awards to the first democratically elected President of South Africa Nelson Mandela’s legacy,” he said.

Meanwhile, TASSO and IPSSA were established in September 2025 and duly registered in July 2026 by the Ministry of Home Affairs mandated to foster unity, integrity, professionalism and excellence within Tanzania’s private security industry.

It is also obliged to equip security personnel with the ethics, discipline, training and practical knowledge required to meet local and international standards, connecting them with employment opportunities and advocating for their rights.