The 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly, held in Arusha from October 5 to 9, 2026, was a historic event for Tanzania, marking the country's first time hosting the gathering in its 137-year history. The Assembly, themed "Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all," drew 2,044 participants from over 150 countries. These included 56 Speakers of Parliament, 51 Deputy Speakers, and 624 MPs, with women making up 39.4 percent of the parliamentarians.
The successful hosting of the Assembly was attributed to the tireless efforts of individuals who worked behind the scenes. Mtama MP Nape Nnauye and Mlalo MP Rashid Shangazi congratulated President Samia Suluhu Hassan on the event's success in the National Assembly. Mr. Shangazi highlighted the country's reputation for peace and hospitality, noting that no guest complained of any issues during their stay. He emphasized that this achievement was a testament to Tanzania's status as an "island of peace."
National Assembly Clerk Baraka Leonard played a crucial role in the preparations, leading a delegation to Türkiye in September 2025 to study arrangements for hosting the Assembly. He oversaw preparations to ensure every detail met international standards, from protocol and documentation to flags and simultaneous interpretation. Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) managing director Christine Mwakatobe also ensured that the conference facilities and services ran smoothly during the five-day event.
The Arusha Regional Commissioner, security agencies, immigration officials, the city council, and residents contributed to the event's success by managing visiting dignitaries, motorcades, and cultural tours. Ambassador Dr. Hoyce Temu, Tanzania's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, worked to secure international support for the Assembly. Her efforts, along with those of others, culminated in Tanzania's candidate, Dr. Tulia Ackson, winning the IPU presidency and paving the way for the country to host the Assembly.
The Assembly concluded with the election of Australia's Milton Dick as Dr. Ackson's successor, marking the end of an Assembly held during her presidency. Mr. Shangazi urged Parliament to record the names of those involved in the event so that future generations could recognize their contributions. He also noted that the Assembly took place during the tenure of Speaker Mussa Azzan Zungu.
One of the memorable aspects of the Assembly was the response to Tanzanian food, with guests enjoying fresh food straight from local farms. The event showcased the country's hospitality, food culture, and authenticity, demonstrating the potential of cultural exchanges to strengthen Tanzania's international image. The Assembly provided a platform for parliamentary discussions on good governance, trust, and inclusion, examining ways to strengthen parliamentary action around the theme.
Beyond the immediate benefits, the Assembly could create opportunities for future investment and business partnerships, attracting influential political leaders and potential investors to the country. The experience has positioned Tanzania to accommodate larger international gatherings, with new conference centers being built in Arusha and Zanzibar. These facilities are expected to expand Tanzania's capacity to host international conferences and attract visitors whose spending supports tourism and related businesses.
Key points
- Tanzania successfully hosted the 153rd IPU Assembly, attracting 2,044 participants from over 150 countries.
- The event showcased Tanzania's hospitality, food culture, and authenticity, strengthening its international image.
- The Assembly's success was attributed to the tireless efforts of individuals who worked behind the scenes.
