Tanzania's parliament has unanimously saluted President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for delivering a world-class success as the country hosted the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly for the first time in 137 years. The assembly, held in Arusha from October 5 to 9, 2026, brought together 2,044 participants from over 150 countries, including 56 Speakers of Parliament, 51 Deputy Speakers, and 624 Members of Parliament. The event was held under the theme "Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all."
The IPU was founded in 1889 and has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The organization is now 137 years old, and Tanzania had never hosted the assembly before. The successful hosting of the event is attributed to the tireless efforts of several individuals, including Mtama MP Nape Nnauye, who moved a special motion to congratulate the President, and Mlalo MP Rashid Shangazi, who seconded the motion. Shangazi highlighted the country's ability to host a peaceful and successful event, with no complaints from guests about any problems during their stay.
Several key individuals played a crucial role in the success of the assembly, including Baraka Alphonce Leonard, Clerk of the National Assembly, who led a delegation to Turkey to benchmark IPU hosting in September 2025. Christine Mwakatobe, Managing Director of the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC), ensured that the venue was equipped to handle the event, with over 2,000 live connections. The leadership and people of Arusha Region, including the Regional Commissioner, Police, Immigration, City Council, and local residents, also contributed to the event's success by managing VIP convoys and cultural tours.
Ambassador Dr. Hoyce Temu, Tanzania's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and international organizations in Geneva, played a significant role in securing support for Tanzania's bid to host the assembly. The campaign, which started in Geneva, climaxed in Angola, where the election for IPU President was held. Dr. Tulia Ackson, a Tanzanian candidate, won the election in the first round, becoming the President of the IPU. This victory brought the 153rd Assembly to Tanzania.
The assembly's success had a significant impact on Tanzania, with the country's soft power being showcased through its cuisine. Tanzanian food, including vitumbua and nyama choma, was well-received by guests, with many trying to take some back with them. The event also provided an opportunity for Tanzania to showcase its culture and attract investors, with several side meetings and investment opportunities arising during the assembly.
The long-term dividends of hosting the assembly are expected to be significant, with Tanzania's reputation as a host country for international events being enhanced. A new modern conference centre capable of accommodating over 2,500 to 3,000 delegates is being built in Arusha, and another major conference centre is being built in Zanzibar. These developments are expected to attract even bigger world conferences to Tanzania in the future.
The National Assembly's unanimous passage of a resolution congratulating President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the team that worked on the assembly is a testament to the country's appreciation for the success of the event. The resolution highlights the importance of recognizing the contributions of individuals who worked behind the scenes to make the assembly a success. The country's wait of 137 years for the opportunity to host the assembly has finally come to an end, and Tanzania is now poised to reap the benefits of hosting such a major international event.
Key points
- Tanzania's parliament has unanimously congratulated President Samia Suluhu Hassan for successfully hosting the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Arusha.
- The assembly, held from October 5 to 9, 2026, brought together 2,044 participants from over 150 countries.
- The event's success is attributed to the tireless efforts of several individuals, including government officials, conference organizers, and local residents.
