Tanzania is set to build East Africa’s largest conference center in Arusha, following a partnership agreement between the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) and the Public Service Social Security Fund (PSSSF).
According to constructionreviewonline.com, the scope of the agreement entails the construction of the Mount Kilimanjaro International Conference Centre (MKICC). The project is expected to be a state-of-the-art facility and multimillion-dollar project.
Furthermore, it is expected to be completed in two years, making it operational by 2027. Once completed, MKICC will be the largest conference centre in East and Central Africa. The partnership agreement was signed between executives with AICC’s executive director being Ms. Christine Mwakatobe.
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On the other hand, Mr. Abdul Razzaq Badru signed the partnership as PSSSF’s director general. Government officials have noted their optimism towards the project, noting its role in advancing Tanzania’s conference tourism industry.
The Scope of Implementation on East Africa’s Largest Conference Centre
East Africa’s largest conference centre will feature a 5,000-seat auditorium and a five-star hotel with 500 rooms. Furthermore, it will include 10 presidential suites, a 20,000 square-meter commercial area and parking for 2,000 vehicles.
It will also include a helipad to accommodate helicopters within the facility. The Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Mr. Ridhiwani Kikwete noted the project was locally funded. “Many projects of this scale typically rely on foreign partners. However, this facility will be built through a partnership between Tanzanians, using Tanzanian funds,” he noted.
He also urged stakeholders to adhere to the timeline and ensure impeccable execution. Commenting that while similar project takes over six years, East Africa’s largest conference centre will take two. Furthermore, he warned that any delays would result in strict disciplinary and legal action.
The MKICC is already set to host major international events once completed. These include the Apimondia International Bee and Honey Conference, among others. Tanzania aims to make the MKICC as a premier destination for global conferences.
