Speaker Zungu urges Tanzanians to tap IPU business opportunities

Speaker of the National Assembly Mussa Zungu has urged Tanzanians to use the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to forge business, investment and professional networks with delegates from around the world. Mr Zungu made the call on Friday, October 2, 2026, while inspecting preparations for the assembly, which is scheduled to take place in Arusha from Monday, October 5. He said the arrival of hundreds of international delegates, including businesspeople, policymakers and professionals, presented an opportunity for local businesses to showcase Tanzanian products, explore new markets and establish partnerships that could extend beyond the meeting. “Many of those coming are businesspeople and politicians who are also involved in business. They need various products, and Tanzania has many products with great potential to find markets,” he said. Mr Zungu urged residents and businesses in the Arusha area to use the occasion to promote products with export and market potential, including Maasai handicrafts, cashew nuts and Tanzanite. He said the assembly would also provide an opportunity to promote Arusha as a destination for international conferences, tourism, trade and investment. “It is a major opportunity for the people of Arusha to participate in international, economic and commercial activities, meet people from different countries and contribute to the growth of Arusha and the national economy,” he said. Mr Zungu said the tourism and hospitality sectors should capitalise on the influx of visitors by promoting Arusha as a key destination for tourism and international conferences. Hotels, restaurants, transport operators, tour companies, traders and other service providers are among those expected to benefit from the increased number of visitors, he said. “Quality services and hospitality can encourage visitors to return to Tanzania for tourism, business and investment after the meeting,” he said. On preparations for the assembly, Mr Zungu said they were progressing well, with 149 of the 183 countries expected to attend having confirmed their participation. He said other countries were still finalising their confirmations, while 2,003 delegates were already on their way to Arusha and were expected to arrive on Saturday. Meanwhile, Tanzania’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Dr Abdallah Possi, said hosting the assembly was an important opportunity for the country to showcase itself and strengthen relations with the international community. He said only a few African countries had hosted an IPU assembly, making Tanzania’s opportunity significant. “Therefore, Tanzania has been given an important opportunity to showcase itself before the international community through this event,” Dr Possi said. He said the assembly should not be viewed solely as a parliamentary event, but also as an opportunity for Tanzania to demonstrate its capacity to host major international meetings, strengthen diplomatic relations and create wider economic opportunities.