President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan recently held talks with Secretary-General of the InterParliamentary Union (IPU) Anda Filip at Chamwino State House in Dodoma. They discussed various areas of cooperation between Tanzania and the union, as well as preparations for the upcoming 153rd IPU Assembly. The assembly will take place in Arusha from October 5 to 9, 2026, and is expected to bring together representatives from parliaments around the world.
National Assembly Speaker Mussa Azzan Zungu expressed satisfaction with the preparations at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC). He stated that the assembly would provide Tanzanians with a valuable opportunity to build business and investment relationships with delegates from around the world. The presence of hundreds of international delegates, many of whom are businesspeople and policymakers, is expected to create a platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase Tanzanian products and establish partnerships.
Speaker Zungu urged residents and business communities to take advantage of the international gathering by promoting products with strong market potential, including Maasai handicrafts, cashew nuts, and Tanzanite. He emphasized that many of the delegates are businesspeople and politicians who are also involved in business and need a wide range of products. The assembly is also an opportunity to promote Arusha as a destination for international conferences, tourism, trade, and investment.
According to Speaker Zungu, about 147 Tanzanians are expected to participate in various activities related to the assembly. Their contribution aims to ensure close cooperation between local and international participants. He commended the government, Parliament, and all institutions involved in preparations for the assembly, saying the participation of Tanzanians is important in ensuring international visitors receive a positive impression of the country.
Speaker Zungu also urged residents to demonstrate Tanzania's hospitality, saying the country's reputation as a welcoming destination could encourage visitors to return for tourism, business, and investment. He emphasized that the hospitality sector is particularly important to Arusha because tourism remains a major contributor to the national economy. The government is working to increase tourism's contribution to the national economy.
As of now, 149 of the 183 countries have confirmed their participation in the assembly, with confirmations from other countries still being received. Speaker Zungu praised engineers, technicians, Parliament staff, security personnel, and other professionals who have worked to ensure the successful hosting of the assembly. He also commended the Parliamentary leadership and the IPU team in Geneva for their contribution to preparations and promotion of Tanzania ahead of the gathering.
Key points
- The 153rd IPU Assembly will provide Tanzania with an opportunity to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy while promoting tourism, trade, investment, and international cooperation.
- The assembly is expected to bring together parliamentarians and other stakeholders from around the world in Arusha.
- Tanzania's Representative to the United Nations Office, Ambassador Dr Abdallah Possi, said hosting the assembly is a major achievement for Tanzania and an opportunity to showcase itself before the international community.
