President Samia Suluhu Hassan Reopens Kariakoo Market After Major Reconstruction

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Sunday, the 8th, officially reopened Kariakoo Market, restoring full operations at one of the country’s most important trading centers after months of rebuilding and safety upgrades.

The reopening signals relief for thousands of traders whose livelihoods were disrupted following severe damage to the historic market. Kariakoo remains the backbone of Dar es Salaam’s informal and wholesale trade, supplying goods to retailers across the city and other regions.

Speaking during the reopening ceremony, President Samia emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting traders and strengthening public infrastructure. She described Kariakoo as a symbol of economic resilience and stressed that safety must remain a top priority moving forward.

Reconstruction works focused on improving fire safety systems, structural stability, emergency access routes, and stall organization, addressing long-standing vulnerabilities that had exposed traders to repeated risks. Authorities say the upgrades are designed to prevent future disasters and ensure quicker emergency response.

Traders welcomed the reopening with optimism, saying the return to normal operations would help them recover lost income and stabilize supply chains. Many vendors had been operating from temporary locations or under reduced capacity during the reconstruction period.

President Samia also urged traders and market management to maintain discipline, cleanliness, and compliance with safety regulations, warning that government investment must be matched with responsible use of public facilities.

Kariakoo Market plays a central role in Tanzania’s urban economy, serving as a major distribution point for food products, clothing, electronics, and household goods. Its reopening is expected to ease congestion in surrounding markets and help stabilize prices for consumers.

President Samia said further improvements will continue, including enhanced waste management, better coordination with emergency services, and digital registration of traders to improve accountability and planning.