The Symposium

Driving Africa’s Industrial Growth Through Innovation and Collaboration

Join us at the AFRICA CONNECT: MSIs Growth Summit – Tanzania 2026 (AFRICON 2026), a pivotal event designed to foster trade, industry, and investment synergies within the micro and small industries (MSI) sector. Held from May 25-27, 2026, at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the symposium is themed “Unlocking Potential: Driving Sustainable Growth through Indo-Tanzanian and African MSI Collaboration” with the motto “Connect and Network.”

About the Symposium

AFRICON 2026 is a dynamic platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange between Tanzanian, African, and Indian MSIs, business leaders, policymakers, and experts. Recognizing India's advanced MSI sector, the summit leverages its expertise to support the growth and development of similar industries in Tanzania and across Africa. The event facilitates networking opportunities, enabling participants to explore potential partnerships, joint ventures, and technology transfers.

Key Activities

Opening Ceremony & Keynote Addresses:
Featuring high-level officials from Tanzania and India, setting the stage for collaboration.
Sector-Specific Panel Discussions:
Focused dialogues on challenges and opportunities within key MSI sectors.
Interactive Workshops & Masterclasses:
Practical sessions providing insights and skills enhancement in areas like technology adoption, marketing, and finance.
Business Matching Sessions:
Pre-arranged meetings facilitating direct interactions between Tanzanian and Indian businesses.Pre-arranged meetings facilitating direct interactions between Tanzanian and Indian businesses.
Exhibition & Trade Fair:
Showcasing products, services, and technologies from both countries with over 200 exhibitors and 200 booths.

Investment Forums:
Presenting investment opportunities in the Tanzanian MSI sector to potential Indian investors.
Technology Demonstration Zones:
Exploring cutting-edge technologies relevant to MSIs.
Cultural Performances & Networking Events:
Offering opportunities for informal interaction and relationship building.
Policy Roundtables:
Discussions between policymakers and industry leaders to address regulatory bottlenecks and promote a conducive business environment.
Site Visits to Local MSIs:
Providing first-hand exposure to the Tanzanian MSI landscape and fostering a deeper understanding of local needs and challenges.
Awards Recognition Ceremony:
The Africa Luminary Honorary Awards Ceremony, celebrating exemplary leadership in Tanzania and the East African region.

Symposium Main Sectors

AFRICON 2026 represents a diverse range of micro and small industries, showcasing their potential for growth and collaboration:

Food Processing

Includes bakery products manufacturing, spice processing and packaging, fruit and vegetable processing (e.g., jams, pickles), snack food manufacturing, and other related activities.

Textiles & Garments

Covers readymade garments manufacturing, hosiery manufacturing, handloom weaving, and embroidery & needlework.

Chemicals & Allied Products

Encompasses soap and detergent manufacturing, agarbatti (incense stick) manufacturing, cosmetics and toiletries manufacturing, and small-scale paint and varnish manufacturing.

Engineering & Metal Products

Includes steel furniture manufacturing, nuts and bolts manufacturing, small-scale agricultural implements manufacturing, and metal fabrication for simple items.

Wood & Paper Products

Covers paper napkin and tissue paper manufacturing, wooden furniture manufacturing, cardboard box manufacturing, and paper bag manufacturing.

Other Manufacturing

Includes leather goods manufacturing (e.g., wallets, belts), plastic products manufacturing (e.g., bottles, containers), candle making, handmade paper manufacturing, small-scale toys manufacturing, jute products manufacturing, stone crushing, brick manufacturing, printing and packaging, and water bottling plants.