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DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania – The Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) is evaluating five international investors from China, India, Dubai, and the Netherlands for the ambitious 948.5 billion Tanzanian shilling ($322 million) redevelopment of the historic Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Trade Fair Grounds, widely known as Sabasaba.
The massive public-private partnership (PPP) project, launched in June 2025, aims to transform the 50-year-old exhibition grounds into a modern, 24/7 economic hub featuring state-of-the-art conference facilities, hotels, retail blocks, leisure areas, residential spaces, and modern children’s amenities.
Strategic Evaluation Process Underway
TanTrade Director General Latifa Khamis confirmed on November 28, 2025, that the evaluation process focuses on both financial capacity and investor credibility. “Some investors are interested in specific components such as convention centres or hotels, depending on their experience,” she stated. “Even when someone presents a large financial package, we must verify the source and authenticity.”
The selection criteria will prioritize projected revenue benefits to TanTrade, management experience, technological capacity, and the strength of investment proposals. Under the PPP framework, each qualified investor will be allocated specific project components based on compliance with set criteria.
Modernizing a National Icon
The redevelopment plan represents a significant shift from the grounds’ traditional use for annual exhibitions toward becoming a world-class center for trade, entertainment, and investment. The proposed design includes digital security systems, advanced lighting, communication infrastructure, and modern architecture comparable to leading global exhibition centers.
David Kafulila, Executive Director of the PPP Centre, emphasized the necessity of private sector involvement when the project was announced in June. “This is a major undertaking that requires multi-sector commitment. Private sector investment in public projects should not be mistaken for selling national assets. It is an efficiency mechanism widely used across the world.”
Accelerated Timeline
The project follows a directive by Industry and Trade Minister Judith Kapinga, who has called for accelerated redevelopment of the site. Authorities aim to complete the transformation before the upcoming AFCON tournament, signaling an ambitious implementation timeline.
During her recent visit to TanTrade, Minister Kapinga commended the authority for strengthening market linkages that connect Tanzanian producers with regional and international markets. She directed TanTrade to further integrate its digital systems and improve the delivery of real-time trade information, noting that “accurate and timely market information is essential for informed decision-making and for enhancing Tanzania’s competitiveness.”
The Minister also called for a review of outdated laws and regulations to ensure TanTrade operates effectively in a modern, fast-changing business environment.
TanTrade officials expressed readiness to commence construction immediately upon investor confirmation, marking a significant step in Tanzania’s broader infrastructure modernization efforts and positioning Sabasaba as a cornerstone of the country’s economic transformation.
