Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) has unveiled a major plan to transform the Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere Trade Fair Grounds in Dar es Salaam into a modern international business exhibition and commercial centre.
The facility, which has for nearly five decades hosted the annual Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), commonly known as Sabasaba, is now set to undergo a comprehensive redevelopment aimed at repositioning it as a year-round hub for trade, investment, and economic diplomacy.
According to TanTrade, the redevelopment project seeks to elevate the grounds to international standards and establish them as a central point for exhibitions, business tourism, and investment opportunities across Africa.
“For this reason, we officially introduce to you the plan to upgrade this exhibition ground into a modern international-standard facility and a Business Exhibition and Commercial Hub for Africa,” the authority said in a statement.
“The grounds will not only serve businesspeople but also attract business tourists, investors, and development stakeholders from across the globe.”
The project will be implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, with TanTrade inviting both local and international investors to participate in the initiative.
It will be executed in close collaboration with the Public-Private Partnership Centre (PPPC), which is providing technical guidance to ensure the project aligns with national interests and is managed transparently.
Strategic infrastructure overhaul
Key components of the redevelopment include the construction of modern exhibition infrastructure, an international-grade hotel, commercial buildings, and a family-friendly recreational area.
The new exhibition facilities will comprise spacious indoor halls fitted with advanced lighting, communication and ICT systems, and well-organised outdoor display areas.
A digital platform will also be developed to facilitate participant registration, payment systems, and information services.
TanTrade also plans to build a modern hotel within the exhibition grounds, targeting the high accommodation demand during major trade events such as the DITF.
The hotel will serve business tourists, exhibitors, and conference delegates, while also creating employment and business opportunities for local residents.
In addition, a commercial complex resembling an international shopping mall will be established to offer permanent trading spaces for businesses operating throughout the year.
This is expected to create a sustainable economic ecosystem that supports domestic trade and enhances Tanzania’s investment climate.
To cater for families and improve visitor experience, the redesigned grounds will feature a dedicated space for children’s recreation and entertainment.
TanTrade believes the addition of this element will encourage greater public engagement with the venue and support the services sector.
From seasonal fair to year-round economic engine
Once complete, the upgraded grounds will no longer be limited to hosting the DITF in July each year.
Instead, they will support multiple exhibitions, business meetings, and national and international conferences throughout the year, enabling continuous business activity and enhancing the country’s position as a regional trade and investment hub.
“This transformation will eliminate the dependence on a single trade season and open up the space to become a fully functional commercial centre, operational throughout the year,” the statement noted.
TanTrade added that the project would contribute significantly to job creation, infrastructure development, and business formalisation in the Temeke area and beyond.
Call for expressions of interest
Investors interested in partnering on the project are required to submit verified company registration documents, a detailed company profile highlighting relevant experience, a concept note outlining their proposed development approach, and audited financial statements for the past three years.
The implementation of the project is expected to commence within 18 months of contract signing. TanTrade further clarified that investors would be expected to provide a bank guarantee as part of their commitment.
The authority urged all stakeholders, including financial institutions and development agencies, to take advantage of this opportunity to be part of a national transformation agenda that will position Tanzania as a central player in regional and global trade.
“This is a historic opportunity to reshape the trade landscape in Tanzania and to establish a world-class business platform that serves the entire continent,” the statement concluded.
