KARIBU-KILIFAIR , one of Africa’s leading international tourism and trade exhibitions, has officially opened in Arusha, attracting tourism stakeholders, investors, and exhibitors from over 40 countries.
The event was inaugurated by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, and attended by top regional leaders and hundreds of local and international participants.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Arusha Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda commended the organizers for their contribution to the local economy and emphasized the need to transform the current venue into a permanent international-standard exhibition ground.
“We congratulate the organizers for stimulating the economy of our region through this important platform,” said Makonda. “We have long desired for this Magereza grounds to be formally developed into a permanent international venue. It is spacious and ideal for hosting major events, regardless of dust, sun, or rain — this would attract not only Tanzanians but participants from across Africa and the world.”
Makonda also urged the organizers and sponsors to consider extending the duration of the fair from three to at least five to seven days, to allow exhibitors and visitors more time for networking, learning, and business engagements.
“Deputy Prime Minister, these people have invested heavily — one tent here cost over TZS 200 million. It doesn’t make sense for such a significant event to last only three days,” Makonda insisted. “Let’s give people more time to engage, attend meetings, and explore the exhibition. Business ideas are not born in just two minutes.”
Delivering the keynote address, Dominic Shoo, Director of KARIBU-KILIFAIR, expressed his gratitude to the government, sponsors, and international partners for their continued support.
“Exhibitors, sponsors, international buyers, media, and guests — it is with immense joy and pride that I welcome you all to KARIBU-KILIFAIR 2025 here in Arusha, a city that is not only the heartbeat of Tanzania’s tourism but also the proud home of this extraordinary platform,” said Shoo.
Shoo highlighted the evolution of the fair since its inception in 2015, noting that what started as a local initiative has grown into one of Africa’s premier tourism trade exhibitions.
“This transformation has not come by luck, but through consistent investment in trust, collaborative effort, and strategic engagement. Over the past few years, we have taken Tanzania’s story far beyond our borders,” he said.
This year, KARIBU-KILIFAIR is hosting over 500 exhibitors from 13 countries and more than 1,000 registered buyers from over 40 nations.
Shoo called on the government to scale up its support for the platform, especially by investing in international marketing, offering direct financial assistance, and designating the current grounds as a permanent International Standard Event Ground.
“We humbly ask the government to increase investment in international markets, provide direct financial support, and officially recognize this venue as a permanent site for international exhibitions,” he urged. “This would be a significant step in elevating Tanzania’s global tourism image.”
He also underscored the economic impact of the fair, which is projected to generate over $100 million in tourism-related business.
Shoo applauded President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for her visionary leadership and international promotion of Tanzania through the Royal Tour initiative, saying:
“Her Excellency’s leadership has redefined Tanzania’s image globally. Thanks to her, our landscapes, people, and culture are being seen and appreciated around the world. Our commitment to tourism goes beyond politics — it is a legacy of empowerment and global pride.”
KARIBU-KILIFAIR 2025 will run for three days, featuring B2B sessions, panel discussions, product exhibitions, cultural experiences, and familiarization tours across Tanzania.
The organizers hope that with continued support from the government and private sector, the platform will expand its global reach and position Tanzania not only as Africa’s leading tourism hub but also as a center for investment and innovation.
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