The commitment was conveyed during talks between Tanzania’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Mbelwa Kairuki, and Speaker of the UK House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, at the Speaker’s official residence in London.
During the meeting, High Commissioner Kairuki briefed Sir Lindsay on progress being made towards hosting the six-day global parliamentary gathering, which is expected to attract legislators, parliamentary leaders and policy-makers from across the world.
Sir Lindsay welcomed Tanzania’s preparations and reaffirmed the UK Parliament’s support for the Assembly, while expressing readiness to deepen legislative cooperation between the two countries.
The discussions also explored opportunities for strengthening bilateral collaboration in education, trade, investment, science and technology, reflecting the broad and evolving partnership between Tanzania and the United Kingdom.
The engagement comes as Tanzania accelerates preparations for what is expected to be one of the most significant international parliamentary events ever hosted in East Africa.
The 153rd IPU Assembly will be the first to take place in Tanzania, marking a milestone not only for the country but also for the African parliamentary community. The event follows the election of former Speaker of Tanzania’s National Assembly, Dr Tulia Ackson, as President of the IPU in October 2023, a development that elevated Tanzania’s profile within the world’s largest parliamentary organisation.
Bringing together parliamentarians from more than 180 countries, the IPU Assembly serves as a key platform for dialogue on global governance, democracy, peace, sustainable development and international cooperation. At a time of rising geopolitical tensions, climate challenges and economic uncertainty, parliamentary diplomacy is increasingly viewed as an important complement to traditional state-to-state engagement.
The Arusha Assembly will also elect a new IPU President at the conclusion of Dr Ackson’s three-year term, placing Tanzania at the centre of a significant leadership transition within the organisation.
Preparations for the event have continued to gather momentum, with Tanzanian authorities expressing confidence in the country’s ability to host thousands of delegates, observers and development partners from around the globe.
Speaking during a visit by an IPU delegation in December last year, Arusha Regional Commissioner Amos Makalla said Tanzania’s longstanding engagement with the organisation, combined with its reputation as a stable and peaceful nation, contributed to its selection as host.
He also indicated that President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to officiate as Guest of Honour during the Assembly.
Beyond its diplomatic significance, the gathering is expected to generate substantial economic benefits for Arusha and neighbouring regions through increased demand for hotels, transport services, conference facilities, tourism activities and other supporting industries.
For Tanzania, hosting the Assembly represents an opportunity to showcase its capacity to organise major international events while reinforcing its position as a regional hub for diplomacy, dialogue and multilateral engagement.
As preparations advance, the support expressed by the UK Parliament highlights growing international confidence in Tanzania’s role on the global stage and the increasing relevance of parliamentary institutions in addressing shared global challenges.
Notes to Editors
– Tanzania will host the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Arusha in October 2026, marking the first time the event has been held in Tanzania.
– The assembly is expected to attract parliamentarians, speakers, policymakers and delegates from more than 180 countries.
– The UK Parliament has formally expressed support for Tanzania's preparations through discussions between Tanzania's High Commissioner in London and the Speaker of the UK House of Commons.
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