Preparations for Tanzania's hosting of the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) have gained momentum. A meeting between Arusha Regional Commissioner, Mr Amos Makalla, and Tanzania's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Dr Hoyce Temu, was held on Thursday, September 24, 2026. The meeting aimed to strengthen coordination between the government, Parliament, and the IPU Secretariat in Geneva. Ambassador Temu is in Arusha to work on final preparations for the assembly.
The 153rd IPU Assembly will be held at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) from October 5 to 9, 2026. President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to be the guest of honour. This will be the first time Tanzania hosts the major IPU meeting, which is expected to bring together Speakers and members of parliament from 183 IPU member countries. The assembly's theme, "Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all," aligns with Tanzania's Vision 2050.
Tanzania has put in place a preparation plan covering security, hospitality, transport, health services, and city cleanliness. Authorities are also seeking to showcase Arusha as a regional diplomatic and conferencing centre. Dr Temu stated that preparations are progressing well amid strong international interest. More than 2,000 delegates, including Speakers, MPs, and parliamentary staff, are expected to attend the week-long assembly.
The 153rd IPU Assembly will feature high-level discussions on parliamentary oversight of extractive industries, climate action, artificial intelligence, children's rights, and the empowerment of women, youth, and people with disabilities. The assembly will also elect a new IPU president to succeed Tanzania's Dr Tulia Ackson. This will be the first IPU Assembly held in East Africa in more than a decade.
Arusha authorities are undertaking improvements ahead of the meeting, including road maintenance around the AICC, street lighting, and solid waste management. Hotel owners are being engaged to ensure adequate and quality accommodation for delegates. Arusha hosts the East African Community headquarters and the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights and is seeking to strengthen its position as a centre for international conferences.
The arrival of delegates is expected to benefit businesses in the northern tourism circuit, including cultural tourism groups, tour operators, and small and medium-sized enterprises. Local women's groups and cultural troupes are preparing to showcase Tanzanian heritage, coffee, Tanzanite, and made-in-Tanzania products at designated exhibition spaces.
The assembly's theme is in line with Tanzania's Vision 2050, which emphasises inclusive growth, accountable institutions, and people-centred development. With strong international interest and preparations underway, Tanzania is set to host a successful 153rd IPU Assembly, further establishing Arusha as a regional diplomatic and conferencing hub.
Key points
- The 153rd IPU Assembly will bring together Speakers and members of parliament from 183 IPU member countries.
- The assembly's theme aligns with Tanzania's Vision 2050, which emphasises inclusive growth and people-centred development.
- More than 2,000 delegates are expected to attend the week-long assembly.
