DAR ES SALAAM: MOZAMBIQUE President Daniel Chapo has begun a three-day working visit to Tanzania, during which he will hold bilateral talks with President Samia Suluhu Hassan and join her in officiating the Golden Jubilee edition of the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), popularly known as Sabasaba, today.
The leaders’ talks are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, transport, energy and other strategic sectors. The visit, which runs from July 2 to 4, follows an invitation by President Samia and is expected to further cement the longstanding historical, political and economic relations between the two neighbouring countries.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, President Samia and her counterpart will also explore new areas of partnership that will benefit citizens of both countries.
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Beyond the trade fair, President Chapo is expected to pay a courtesy visit to Mama Maria Nyerere, widow of the founding President, the late Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, in recognition of the contribution made by the founding leaders of Tanzania and Mozambique in strengthening brotherly relations and supporting Africa’s liberation struggles.
Notably, this will be President Chapo’s third visit to Tanzania since assuming office in 2024, reflecting the commitment of the leadership of both countries to further strengthen relations built on decades of friendship, solidarity and good neighbourliness.
Speaking after inspecting exhibition pavilions ahead of the official opening ceremony, Minister for Industry and Trade, Judith Kapinga, said this year’s exhibition, running from June 28 to July 13, marks five decades of DITF’s contribution to promoting trade, investment and industrial development, while strengthening the country’s economic diplomacy agenda.
“This year’s edition has attracted about 3,722 exhibitors from 23 countries, making it one of the most internationally diverse exhibitions in recent years,” Ms Kapinga said.
She said the strong participation reflects growing confidence in Tanzania’s economy, industrial sector and business environment, adding that the exhibition continues to serve as a strategic platform for promoting local and international trade partnerships.
According to the minister, the exhibition features a broad range of products and services across manufacturing, agribusiness and service sectors, with a strong emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship and value addition. Ms Kapinga said governmentsupported empowerment programmes targeting women and youths are also prominently featured, with many exhibitors showcasing processed goods and products developed through access to finance and business support initiatives.
“The exhibition continues to serve as both a commercial and learning platform by strengthening value chains and expanding opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises,” she said.
To improve the experience of exhibitors and visitors, the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) has undertaken major infrastructure improvements at the exhibition grounds, including expanded parking facilities, upgraded internal roads and enhanced water and electricity services.
The authority has also introduced digital innovations, including a mobile wayfinding system that enables visitors to navigate the exhibition grounds using smartphones and the TanTrade Biashara App, which allows users to purchase tickets digitally and access information on exhibitors and event activities.
“We are continuing to improve services to make the exhibition more accessible, efficient and convenient for both exhibitors and visitors,” Ms Kapinga said.
As part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, TanTrade will also host a special awards gala, dubbed the “Golden Jubilee Night”, on July 6, where VicePresident Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi will honour individuals and institutions that have contributed to the growth of the exhibition over the past five decades.