DAR ES SALAAM: ANALYSTS have urged Tanzania to turn business gains from the just-concluded Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly and the 12th Conference of the Parties (COP12) to the Nairobi Convention into lasting tourism, trade and investment opportunities.
The two international conferences attracted about 3,500 delegates, creating business opportunities for local enterprises while opening avenues for longer-term economic benefits.
The IPU Assembly, held in Arusha, attracted about 2,000 delegates from 184 member states, while COP12, held in Dar es Salaam, brought together around 1,500 participants from 10 member nations.
The gatherings boosted business activities in hospitality, transport and other services as delegates spent money on accommodation, food, drinks, transport and excursions.
Dr Sylvester Jotta, a business expert based at Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), said international conferences provide direct business benefits, with spending by delegates benefiting hotels, restaurants, suppliers and other local enterprises.
He said expenditure on goods and services circulates through the local economy, while spending by international visitors brings foreign currency into the country.
Dr Jotta said the benefits extend beyond accommodation and restaurants to transport operators and businesses supplying goods and services to visitors.
He said Tanzania could use the events to strengthen its position in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector, drawing lessons from countries such as Singapore that have established themselves as international conference destinations.
He added that Tanzania’s natural attractions provide opportunities to attract visitors who want to combine conference participation with tourism. The country could also build on international exposure from initiatives such as the Royal Tour to promote its tourism potential.
Dr Eliaza Mkuna, a senior economics lecturer at Mzumbe University, said businesses in Arusha benefited from the IPU Assembly, with hotels, transport operators, artists and traders among those gaining from the presence of delegates.
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He said international conferences create opportunities for participants to establish networks that can develop into business partnerships and investment opportunities beyond the events.
Dr Mkuna said COP12 also presents opportunities for Tanzania to attract green financing, support conservation initiatives and develop carbon markets.
He said these areas could create further economic opportunities while supporting environmental protection, making it important to build on the discussions and connections established during the conference.
Dr Bravious Kahyoza, a researcher and economist, said hosting major international conferences strengthens Tanzania’s international standing and economic diplomacy.
He said the IPU Assembly provided a platform for discussions on governance and development, while the participation of international delegates created opportunities to establish relationships that could support investment.
Dr Kahyoza said such connections could strengthen Tanzania’s credibility as a destination for business and international engagement. He also linked the opportunities to the implementation of Dira 2050, particularly through investment and greater private-sector participation in economic development.
The analysts said the conferences provided immediate business opportunities through delegates’ spending, while also opening avenues for longer-term gains in tourism, trade, investment, conservation and green financing.
They said sustained benefits would depend on building on the exposure and connections generated by the events to create lasting economic opportunities for Tanzania.