Senene International Trade Fair

Last month I attended a festival organized by the people originating from Kagera region and who speak Kihaya, the area popularly known as Buhaya. The festival was called ‘Buhaya Festival’. It was a big event which attracted the attendance of Tanzanian leadership. Despite the glamorous exhibition of Buhaya foods, outfits and dancing styles, I was not impressed by the weight which the organizers attached to the delicious snack known as “ensenene”, which is popular among the Bahaya and now known internationally. My friend who deals with exportation of local foods sparked an idea of having an international ‘Senene Trade Fair’. We are optimistic that the event will attract the international business community as we want the occasion to be officiated by Harris Kamala, whom I heard is also a Haya from Kanyigo, Missenyi District. Please advise us on any legal requirements.
AR, Muleba

It is interesting to hear that a person who was a US presidential candidate has origins in Tanzania. We have never heard such a connection but will not comment on this further. We will only advise you on the legal requirements for organizing the Fair.

International trade exhibitions are regulated by the International Trade Fair (Terms for Organizers and Participation) Regulations, 2014 (the Regulations). The Regulations require that any person who wishes to organize or undertake an international exhibition to apply to the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (the Authority) by filling designated forms and paying the prescribed fees. Upon receipt of the application, the Authority, within 14 days, shall, either grant, reject or refer back the application for further clarification. When the application is rejected, the Authority is obliged to give reasons for such a rejection.

When the application is rejected, and the applicant is aggrieved by the decision of the Authority, the applicant may, within 7 days, from the date the decision is communicated, appeal to the Minister responsible for trade stating the grounds of appeal. A decision by the Minister on the appeal shall be made within 14 days from the date of receipt of the appeal.

After following that procedure and getting the approval from the Authority or the Minister, as the case may be, you will have to ensure that the exhibition venue meets standards as issued by the Authority before commencement of the trade fair. The Regulations requires the exhibition venue to have the following standards: adequate space to accommodate exhibitors; adequate lighting and security lights; free entry and exit ways; security posts and assembly points; fire extinguishers as per conditions specified by the appropriate authority; a source of water and adequate distribution points; immovable toilets; health services; information desks; and any other requirement which may be specified by the Authority. We advise you to consult the Authority for further guidance.