Tanzania Unveils Ambitious $152 Million MKICC Project to Boost East Africa’s MICE Tourism By Raymond Enoch
Tanzania is set to transform the East African tourism landscape with the announcement of the Mount Kilimanjaro International Conference Centre (MKICC), a state-of-the-art facility poised to become the largest conference and hotel complex in the region. The $152 million project, a joint venture between the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) and the Public Service Social Security Fund (PSSSF), is slated for completion in 2027.
Located in Arusha, the MKICC will feature a 5,000-seat auditorium, a 500-room five-star hotel with 10 presidential suites, a 20,000-square-metre commercial area, parking for 2,000 vehicles, and a helipad. The design, inspired by the baobab tree—the “Tree of Life”—symbolizes a traditional meeting place for locals, reflecting the project’s commitment to cultural heritage.
The MKICC aims to position Tanzania as a premier destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism, capitalizing on the sector’s post-pandemic growth. The facility is expected to host major international events, including the Apimondia International Bee and Honey Conference, and is already slated to accommodate over 5,000 delegates for upcoming events.
This development underscores Tanzania’s strategic focus on diversifying its tourism offerings beyond traditional safaris and beach holidays, tapping into the lucrative MICE market to drive economic growth and regional prominence
As the MKICC project progresses, it is anticipated to attract significant international attention, positioning Tanzania at the forefront of East Africa’s tourism and business conference sectors.
