By Mwanamkasi Jumbe
The Kariakoo Market Corporation (KMC) has stepped up preparations for the long-awaited reopening of Dar es Salaam’s iconic Kariakoo Market, holding consultations with leaders of traders’ associations to address outstanding concerns and outline final steps ahead of the market’s return to full operations in January 2026.
During the meeting, KMC General Manager, CPA Ashraf Abdulkarim, said the corporation has completed the allocation of trading spaces to eligible applicants, marking a major milestone in the reopening process. According to KMC, a total of 1,520 former traders who met the required criteria have been allocated spaces, alongside 351 new traders who successfully applied through the government’s digital TAUSI system.
Abdulkarim noted that feedback from traders has been instrumental in shaping final adjustments at the facility. He said the project contractor is currently undertaking minor modifications to address practical concerns raised by traders, with the work expected to be completed shortly. Once finalised, the market will be ready to resume operations in an environment designed to enhance safety, order and business efficiency.
He added that resolving traders’ grievances has been treated as a priority, alongside the signing of occupancy contracts and their uploading onto the TAUSI platform. The digital system is intended to improve transparency, reduce disputes over space allocation and strengthen accountability in market management.
“Kariakoo Market belongs to the traders and the public at large. Our role as KMC is to manage it professionally on their behalf,” Abdulkarim said, stressing that regular engagement with traders will continue even after reopening to ensure smooth operations and mutual trust.
Kariakoo Market, one of East Africa’s busiest commercial hubs, plays a central role in Dar es Salaam’s informal and wholesale trade, supporting thousands of livelihoods and linking producers, wholesalers and retailers from across Tanzania and the wider region. Its temporary closure for renovation had disrupted trading activity, making the reopening a closely watched development for the city’s economy.
The government has invested approximately TSh28 billion in the renovation and modernisation of the market, equipping it with improved infrastructure, enhanced security systems, organised trading spaces, parking facilities and modern amenities. The upgrades are aimed at aligning Kariakoo with international standards for urban markets, while improving safety, hygiene and convenience for traders and customers alike.
Officials say the revamped market is expected to boost trade efficiency, attract more customers and reinforce Kariakoo’s position as a commercial heartbeat of Dar es Salaam, contributing to broader urban renewal and economic growth initiatives. With final works nearing completion and stakeholder consultations ongoing, authorities say the market is on track for a full reopening early next year, restoring normal trading activities at one of Tanzania’s most important commercial centres.
