DAR ES SALAAM: BUSINESSES in Tanzania and abroad are urged to secure pavilion space early for the 50th edition of the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), to be held in Dar es Salaam as the exhibition marks its Golden Jubilee.
The call was issued by the Director General of the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade), Dr Latifa Khamis, in an interview with the ‘Daily News’ regarding preparations for the landmark exhibition.
“This marks our 50th year, which is our Golden Jubilee. We are introducing several new features and transitioning to a fully digitalised exhibition, with everything from bookings and entry badges to judges’ selection of top exhibitors managed digitally,” said Dr Khamis.
She added that this year’s exhibition is not an ordinary event, but a historic occasion bringing together trade, investment and innovation from both within and outside Tanzania.
The Golden Jubilee theme reflects the country’s trade development journey since the establishment of DITF and its contribution to national economic growth.
As part of the 50th anniversary, the Director General of the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) said a Golden Jubilee Night will be held to honour participants and stakeholders for their contribution to trade and industry growth.
The event, scheduled a day before the climax of the Sabasaba (July 7) celebrations, is expected to draw investors, ambassadors, financial institutions and private sector leaders.
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Dr Khamis noted that one of the challenges observed among some exhibitors is the delay in renovating and preparing their booths even after securing and paying for space. She said TanTrade is phasing out face-to-face booking and encouraging the use of digital systems to simplify registration and enhance transparency.
“We urge businesspeople to begin preparations immediately after securing space, including branding their pavilions. Early preparation increases customer appeal and projects a professional image,” she said.
She also urged international exhibitors to ship their products early to ensure they arrive before the exhibition’s official opening.
According to TanTrade, early indicators show a strong response from participants this year, alongside preparations for special programmes aimed at adding economic value to the fair.
Dr Khamis said the expected highlights include an international investment and trade conference, innovation and technology exhibitions, digitally coordinated businessto-business (B2B) meetings, and special country days to promote trade diplomacy.
There will also be a dedicated platform for women and youth entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services to wider markets. To promote patriotism and economic awareness among youths, the TanTrade has introduced the “Our Heritage Session” (Urithi Wetu), which will bring children and students from rural areas to visit the exhibition and key national projects in Dar es Salaam and the Coast Region.
The aim is to help them understand the country’s development journey, key national projects and the role of trade and investment in driving economic growth.