Strengthening Indo-African Business Ties: Rifah Hosts Back-to-Back Business Networking Meets in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — May 2025

The Rifah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RIFAH), a dynamic business platform representing minority-led enterprises and SMEs from India and abroad, successfully hosted two impactful business networking events in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, bringing together key stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and trade facilitators from across continents.

The first of the two events, the Dar es Salaam Business Networking Meet, was organized in collaboration with the Tanzania Muslim Professionals Association (TAMPRO) on 12th May 2025 at Delhi Darbar Hotel. The evening commenced with a warm inaugural address by Mr. Mrisho (CEO, TAMPRO), who introduced the TAMPRO’s vision and highlighted its recent initiatives.

This was followed by a keynote address from Dr. Muhsin Salim Masud, Former Managing Director of Amana Bank and PBZ Bank, who offered valuable insights into the Tanzanian business environment, outlining potential sectors for investment and collaboration.

The RIFAH delegation, comprising 45 business delegates primarily from India and a select few from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Zimbabwe, and Turkey, was introduced to the gathering, reflecting the global interest in East African markets.

S. Ameenul Hasan, Chairman of RIFAH, presided over the session and delivered a thought-provoking address on ethical business practices from an Islamic perspective. Drawing inspiration from the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), he underscored the importance of trust, justice, and community welfare in trade.

The evening concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Mr. Haji, Chairman of TAMPRO, followed by a networking dinner that enabled meaningful business discussions and relationship building among participants.

The following evening, 13th May 2025, saw the Tanzania Business Networking Meet hosted in collaboration with the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA), again at Delhi Darbar Hotel, Dar es Salaam. This event marked yet another significant stride in enhancing bilateral commercial ties between India and Tanzania.

The program began with an opening address by Mirza Afzal Baig, reaffirming RIFAH’s commitment to cross-border economic engagement. The keynote speaker, Mr. Mercy Phillips, Manager of the Commerce Department at TCCIA, welcomed the RIFAH delegation and expressed strong interest in forging long-term partnerships with Indian businesses. He affirmed TCCIA’s readiness to collaborate with RIFAH in facilitating trade, investment, and joint ventures.

Delegates were introduced, representing a wide range of sectors such as food processing, construction, education, healthcare, and IT. Their presence highlighted the diverse commercial interests in fostering Indo-Tanzanian cooperation.

S. Ameenul Hasan, once again presiding over the event, emphasized the significance of values-driven business practices and cultural sensitivity in international trade engagements.

The evening concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Anis Mohammad, Tour In-Charge, followed by an elegant networking dinner. The atmosphere was charged with optimism and collaborative spirit as delegates explored potential synergies.

Both events were widely appreciated by attendees and set a solid foundation for sustained business engagement between India and Tanzania. RIFAH’s role as a facilitator of ethical and inclusive trade was visibly recognized, with promising prospects for future cooperation.

The delegates also introduced themselves and their respective businesses during the networking sessions. In addition to the formal meetings, the delegation undertook market visits to gain insights into the local business environment. Several delegates explored industries relevant to their sectors of interest, while others took the opportunity to visit key landmarks such as Bongoyo Island, the National Museum of Tanzania, and the Dar es Salaam Port, enriching their understanding of the country’s cultural and economic landscape.