Tanzania to Build New Largest MICE Facility: Kilimanjaro International Conference Centre

The Tanzanian government has signed an agreement for the construction of the Kilimanjaro International Conference Centre (KMICC) in Arusha, which will be the largest conference facility in the country.

The agreement was signed between the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) and the Public Service Social Security Fund (PSSSF) on March 8, 2025.

The project is part of the government’s efforts to boost the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) tourism sector.

The KMICC will have the capacity to host 5,000 people at once and will include a 500-room hotel to support the growing demand for conference tourism in Tanzania.

The project is expected to address the lack of adequate infrastructure in the MICE sector and position Tanzania as a key destination for international events.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, emphasized the importance of the project in unlocking the potential of the MICE sector. “President Samia has identified the untapped opportunities in MICE tourism, and this project is part of her government’s strategy to address these challenges,” he said.

Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office for Labour, Youth, Employment, and Persons with Disabilities, Hon. Ridhiwani Kikwete, highlighted the economic impact of the project. “This project will not only bring global attention to Tanzania but will also create economic opportunities for Arusha and the country as a whole,” he stated.

The KMICC project is aligned with Tanzania’s Development Vision 2025 and the 2020–2025 election manifesto of the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), which prioritizes the development of large-scale infrastructure to support economic growth.

The project will be implemented by Tanzanian companies, further contributing to local economic development.

Arusha is already home to the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC), Tanzania’s largest conference facility. Established in 1978, the AICC has a capacity of 1,200 people and hosts a variety of national and international events, including United Nations meetings.

Despite its strategic location and historical significance, the AICC’s capacity and facilities are no longer sufficient to meet the growing demand for large-scale conferences and events. The construction of the Kilimanjaro International Conference Centre (KMICC) aims to address these limitations by providing a modern facility with a significantly greater capacity.

Arusha serves as a key hub for tourism and business in Tanzania, acting as the gateway to the northern tourism circuit, which includes Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater. The KMICC is expected to further enhance Arusha’s position as a leading destination for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism in East Africa.