When news emerged last week that the much-anticipated Mount Kilimanjaro International Convention Centre (MKICC) in Arusha is finally becoming a reality, residents breathed a sigh of relief. The project has been in the planning stages for the last 18 years, so its commencement is indeed welcome news. MKICC is set to transform Arusha into a premier destination for international conferences and events.
For nearly five decades, Tanzania has hosted several international conferences. However, these events have been limited to a maximum of 1,500 delegates, the capacity of the Simba Hall at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC). Today, AICC cannot accommodate mega conferences like the World Tourism Council Global Summit or the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Summit, which typically attract between 3,000 to 5,000 delegates. Once completed in 2027, MKICC will be able to host such large-scale conferences.
There are five reasons why this development is particularly beneficial for Tanzania and Arusha.
Firstly, MKICC will position Arusha as a global hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), attracting international organizations to host their events in Tanzania. This will boost foreign direct investment (FDI) as more global firms explore business opportunities in the region.
Secondly, the project will necessitate infrastructure development, particularly in roads and other urban facilities. I can envision the road from the clock tower to the MKICC venue at the Kijenge Estate being expanded into a dual carriageway and equipped with street lights and other facilities.
Thirdly, the construction phase alone will create thousands of jobs in construction, engineering, and related services. Once operational, MKICC will provide long-term employment opportunities in hospitality, catering, event management, and logistics.
Fourthly, MKICC will enhance the hospitality and service industry. Arusha already boasts a strong hospitality sector, but MKICC will drive demand for high-end hotels, serviced apartments, and conference facilities. The planned 5-star hotel within the convention centre will cater to VIP guests, while existing hotels in the city will benefit from the overflow in demand. Investors are encouraged to invest in hotels to ensure supply meets the anticipated demand.
Finally, once operational, the convention centre will significantly boost economic activity within the city. Experts in the MICE industry estimate that delegates at international conferences spend on average between $100 and $150 per person per day on meals and beverages, local transport, entertainment and social activities, shopping, souvenirs, and miscellaneous expenses such as SIM cards and tips.
This increase in visitor spending will benefit local businesses in restaurants, retail, and transport services. Even vendors selling vegetables and a range of horticultural products will indirectly benefit from this influx. Moreover, some visitors may choose to explore Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Tarangire National Park. Thus, MKICC is a most welcome development.
Elly Manjale is an economic, business, and management consultant based in Arusha who writes on economic, business, social, and political issues.
Contact: +255 371521
Email: emanjale@gmail.com
