Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) is going digital, opening new opportunities for businesses to showcase products, connect with buyers and expand market access, even for those unable to attend in person at the fairgrounds.
Speaking ahead of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, Tanzania Trade Development Authority (Tantrade) Director General, Ms Latifa Khamis, said the digital transformation will introduce online exhibitor and visitor registration, digital entry passes and cashless payments, making participation smoother and more accessible.
“It will also feature virtual exhibition booths, businessmatching platforms and enhanced digital promotion and information services, a move aimed at making the fair faster, paperless, more efficient and fully technology-driven,” said Ms Khamis over the weekend.
She added that the digital approach is designed to expand market access, promote competitive and innovative enterprises and strengthen value addition across supply chains.
“As we mark 50 years since the inception of the DITF, known as ‘sabasaba’, we are placing greater emphasis on digitalisation and innovation to broaden participation and enhance the trade experience,” she said.
Over the past five decades, the DITF has evolved into a strategic platform linking Tanzanian businesses with domestic, regional and global markets, facilitating partnerships, attracting investment and supporting the government’s industrialisation and export-growth agenda.
This year’s fair carries the theme ‘Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair , Tanzania’s Pride,’ with sub-themes ‘Tanzanian products, more global’ and ‘more digital trade services,’ reflecting national priorities on industrialisation, export expansion and digital transformation.
Ms Khamis said exhibitor registration is officially open, with Tantrade having upgraded digital systems, improved infrastructure and planned sectorfocused days.
“Jubilee celebrations will also feature commemorative publications, a remembrance day and a standalone awards night,” she said adding security at the exhibition grounds will be enhanced through expanded CCTV coverage, in collaboration with the Dar es Salaam Regional Administration and security agencies.”
The East Africa Commercial and Logistics Centre Director, Ms Catherine Wan, said her company is proud to contribute as a main sponsor for four consecutive years.
She noted that the growing success of the Chinese pavilion, which expanded from 50 companies in 2022 to 200 companies covering 10,000 square metres in 2025.
Meanwhile, Tanzania Posts Corporation (TPC) Director of Sales and Marketing, Mr Ferdinand Kabyemela, said TPC will work closely with Tantrade to ensure quality services during the fair, including the introduction of swift park, a new parking facility for 460 vehicles. “Citizens should expect new attractions and services that align with their needs,” he said.
Mr Kabyemela noted that Tantrade has, over its 50 years of experience, played a key role in connecting businesses and facilitating market access.
