ZANZIBAR, April 30 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — Tanzanian Pres Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to grace the 2025 Federation of East and Central Africa Freight Forwarders Associations (FEAFFA) and FIATARAME Joint Conference in Zanzibar tomorrow.
The two-day high-profile event will bring together over 500 participants from around the world, including transport and logistics experts, policymakers, researchers, port and customs authorities, freight forwarders and innovators in the sector.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Zanzibar’s Minister for Infrastructure, Communication and Transport, Dr Khalid Salum Mohamed underscored its significance, aligning with Tanzania’s broader economic and investment reforms.
“This year’s conference, themed ‘Collaborating in the Blue Economy: Transforming Logistics for Sustainability,’ reflects our national development agenda under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Zanzibar’s Hussein Ali Mwinyi,” said Dr Khalid.
He added that the event, coordinated by the Tanzania Freight Forwarders Association (TAFFA) and the Zanzibar Freight Forwarders Bureau (ZFB), offers Zanzibar a unique opportunity to showcase its economic potential to a global audience.
Dr Khalid outlined several key objectives for the summit, including: Knowledge sharing, exchanging insights on best practices and sustainable logistics, strengthening ties between industry players, regulators, manufacturers and technology providers.
Other objectives include exploring digital transformation and innovative solutions for environmentally responsible logistics, promoting a legal and regulatory framework that supports a modern logistics ecosystem, enhancing skills and competitiveness across the industry as well connecting participants with international investors, clients and potential partners.
Participants will also explore emerging business opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and examine logistics’ role in fostering sustainable economic growth across Africa, the Middle East and globally.
The conference’s agendas will include exhibitions, expert panel discussions, business-to-business (B2B) and business- to-government (B2G) sessions, service showcases and cultural excursions around Zanzibar.
He credited the Union government for its continued support in transforming the transportation sector, touting the ongoing infrastructure projects in both Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania, including road, port and railway developments.
The Minister for Transport Professor Makame Mbarawa said that the conference aligns with Tanzania’s strategic ambition to position itself as a logistics hub in the region.
Also present at the press briefing were the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Dr Habiba Khamis, Deputy Permanent Secretary Makame Machano Haji, TAFFA President Edward Urio and ZFB Chairperson Omar Mussa.
They all insisted the importance of networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities the summit presents for Tanzanian and East African stakeholders.
“This summit will benefit individuals, businesses and the country as a whole. It opens doors for meaningful partnerships and innovations that will drive economic growth,” said Urio.
Mussa added, “Zanzibar is ready. The world is coming and we’re proud to show them what we have to offer.” — NNN-DAILYNEWS
