Speaker of the National Assembly Mussa Zungu has called on Tanzanians to leverage the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to establish business, investment, and professional networks with international delegates. On October 2, 2026, while inspecting preparations for the assembly in Arusha, he highlighted the potential for local businesses to showcase Tanzanian products, explore new markets, and form partnerships. The assembly, scheduled from October 5, will bring hundreds of international delegates, including businesspeople, policymakers, and professionals.
Mr. Zungu emphasized that many delegates are businesspeople and politicians involved in business, seeking various products, and that Tanzania has numerous products with great market potential. He urged residents and businesses in Arusha to promote products like Maasai handicrafts, cashew nuts, and Tanzanite, which have export and market potential. The assembly also presents an opportunity to promote Arusha as a destination for international conferences, tourism, trade, and investment.
The event is expected to boost Arusha's economy and provide a platform for local businesses to interact with international visitors. Mr. Zungu encouraged the tourism and hospitality sectors to capitalize on the influx of visitors by promoting Arusha as a key destination for tourism and international conferences. Hotels, restaurants, transport operators, tour companies, traders, and other service providers are likely to benefit from the increased number of visitors.
According to Mr. Zungu, preparations for the assembly are progressing well, with 149 of the 183 expected countries confirming their participation. Two thousand and three delegates were already en route to Arusha, expected to arrive on October 3, 2026. He emphasized that quality services and hospitality can encourage visitors to return to Tanzania for tourism, business, and investment after the meeting.
Tanzania's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Dr. Abdallah Possi, highlighted the significance of hosting the assembly. He noted that it presents an important opportunity for Tanzania to showcase itself and strengthen relations with the international community. Hosting an IPU assembly is a rare opportunity for African countries, making Tanzania's hosting significant.
Dr. Possi emphasized that the assembly should not be viewed solely as a parliamentary event but also as an opportunity for Tanzania to demonstrate its capacity to host major international meetings, strengthen diplomatic relations, and create wider economic opportunities. The event will provide a platform for Tanzania to promote its products, services, and tourism industry to a global audience.
The 153rd IPU assembly will bring together international delegates, providing a unique chance for Tanzanians to engage with global business leaders, policymakers, and professionals. By seizing this opportunity, Tanzanians can foster new partnerships, explore new markets, and contribute to the country's economic growth. The assembly's impact is expected to extend beyond the meeting, with potential long-term benefits for Tanzania's economy and international reputation.
Key points
- Tanzanian Speaker Mussa Zungu urges locals to tap into business and investment opportunities arising from the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union assembly in Arusha.
- The assembly presents an opportunity for local businesses to showcase Tanzanian products, explore new markets, and establish partnerships with international delegates.
- Hosting the assembly is a significant opportunity for Tanzania to showcase itself, strengthen relations with the international community, and demonstrate its capacity to host major international meetings.
