In a bold move toward economic transformation and tourism leadership, Tanzania has launched the Mount Kilimanjaro International Conference Centre (MKICC), a landmark $152 million project that aims to position Arusha as the beating heart of East Africa’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry.

Slated for completion in 2027, the MKICC will be the largest integrated conference and hospitality complex in East and Central Africa. With features including a 5,000-seat auditorium, a luxury 500-room five-star hotel, and a massive 20,000-square-metre commercial zone, the project sets a new bar for infrastructure ambition in the region.

The development is entirely funded through local capital, combining the strength of the state-owned Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) and Tanzania’s Public Service Social Security Fund (PSSSF). It marks a milestone in the country’s quest for economic self-sufficiency and a decisive pivot toward high-value business tourism.

Spanning 10 hectares with panoramic views of Mount Meru and even Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days, the MKICC is more than just a venue; it’s a national statement. Blonski Architects, a UK-based firm, was selected to design the facility, drawing inspiration from Africa’s iconic baobab tree to reflect community, endurance, and connectivity.

“Tanzania has immense potential, but our current venues are insufficient,” said Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo. 

Arusha’s status as a diplomatic, tourism, and safari hub will only be strengthened by MKICC. Local industries are expected to benefit from job creation, increased hotel capacity, and an influx of international visitors. The centre has already locked in its first major event: the prestigious Apimondia International Bee and Honey Conference.

Notably, the project integrates future-forward amenities like electric vehicle charging stations and a helipad, underscoring its world-class ambition. With parking for 2,000 vehicles and ten presidential suites, the MKICC is designed to meet the full spectrum of global event needs.

As business tourism rebounds globally, MKICC is set to redefine how Africa hosts the world, powered by Tanzanian capital, vision, and resilience.