Posted on :Tuesday , 1st April 2025

The Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) has entered into a cooperation agreement with the Public Service Social Security Fund (PSSSF) for the construction of the Mount Kilimanjaro International Conference Centre (MKICC), an a cutting-edge conference Centre valued at more than Sh385 billion.

MKICC is expected to be completed in two years and operational by 2027, making it East and Central Africa's largest conference centre. The agreement was inked on Sunday by Ms Christine Mwakatobe, executive director of the AICC, and Mr Abdul Razzaq Badru, director general of the PSSSF.

The construction project will include a 5,000-seat auditorium, a five-star hotel with 500 rooms, including 10 presidential suites, a 20,000-square-meter commercial area, 2,000 parking spaces, and a helicopter landing pad.

Speaking at the signing event, Mr Ridhiwani Kikwete, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office [Labour, Youth, Employment, and Persons with Disabilities], emphasized the project's importance in growing Tanzania's conference tourism industry.

"Several initiatives of this size often involve overseas partners. Fortunately this infrastructure will be created through a Tanzanian-led cooperation with Tanzanian finances," he stated. He asked parties to follow the deadline and achieve high-quality execution.

"While similar projects can take four to six years, this one will begin this year and wrap up in 2027—within just two years. This necessitates quick action, therefore we need to make sure that the project is completed on schedule," he stressed. He emphasized that any delays could result in severe disciplinary and legal ramifications.

Mr Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, stated that the project would generate funds, create jobs, and promote local businesses. Paul Makonda, Arusha Regional Commissioner, emphasized the region's commitment to promoting the MKICC as a top venue for global conferences.