The 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), also known as Saba Saba, officially closed on 13 July 2025, recording TZS 7.06M in on-site sales and TZS 448.7B in business appointments.
The figures represent a 94% increase in on-site transactions compared to the TZS 3.625M recorded during the 2024 edition of the trade fair.
This year’s fair hosted 464 companies, including 320 local and 394 foreign firms from 22 countries, up from 284 foreign companies in 2024.
According to TanTrade Director General Latifa Khamis, 70% of exhibitors achieved their targets, particularly those seeking new markets or launching innovative products.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said the fair had reached international standards and served as a platform for investment, business networking, and knowledge transfer.
“Tanzania is increasingly viewed as a favourable location for trade and investment, and this exhibition is one of our strongest tools for promoting local industries and connecting them with global markets.”
The Minister of Industry and Trade, Selemani Jafo, confirmed that this year marked a record in both company participation and visitor numbers.
He added that the fair introduced new initiatives, including broader participation from Zanzibar and the first-time use of the Made in Tanzania quality mark on locally produced goods intended for export.
“This national logo will now represent Tanzanian goods across East Africa and continental markets,” he said.
Jafo also emphasized the participation of innovative SMEs and youth-led businesses: “We saw a strong showing from entrepreneurs offering products that align with modern technology and sustainable manufacturing.”
The General Manager of the East Africa Commercial and Logistics Center (EACLC), Cathy Wang, stated that Chinese companies benefited from the fair by securing local agents and investment leads.
She announced that the EACLC logistics centre in Ugongo, Dar es Salaam will be launched on 2 August 2025 and invited local traders to reserve remaining retail spaces.
“We have seen the start of Chinese-owned outlets and joint ventures operating at the centre even before its official opening,” she added.
The DITF is Tanzania’s leading annual multi-sectoral trade fair and is organized by TanTrade under the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
It promotes trade, investment, and industrial development by providing a platform for Tanzanian and international businesses to connect.
Preparations are underway for the 50th edition of the fair in 2026.
