Dar es Salaam – The newly reconstructed Kariakoo Market, a landmark of commerce in East and Central Africa, was officially inaugurated on February 8, 2026, by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The reopening marks a pivotal moment for the thousands of traders who were displaced by a mysterious fire that ravaged the historic market on July 10, 2021.
The government invested Sh28 billion in the reconstruction, which began in January 2022. The new six-storey complex is a modern marvel, boasting underground parking for over 400 vehicles, a rooftop food court, and state-of-the-art security and fire safety systems.
The original market’s iconic “vikombe” (cups) architectural design, a nod to its 1970s origins, has been preserved in the reconstructed older section.
During the opening ceremony, President Samia addressed the controversy surrounding the 2021 fire, which she had previously stated was an act of arson intended to destroy evidence of financial mismanagement.
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“The night of July 10, 2021, was not only a night of mourning for the traders of Kariakoo but also for the government. Our market had a fire accident. But with courage, I said I will rebuild this market, and I will build it well so that business can continue,” she declared.
“I promised that I would come to open the new market, and today, the impossible has become possible.”
President Samia issued a stern directive to ensure transparency in the allocation of stalls, a process that has been plagued by corruption in the past.
“I am aware that in the old market, there was an irregular rental system, which deprived the market of revenue and led to complaints,” she said.
“I am directing the Prime Minister’s Office to ensure that the process of returning the original traders is done without favouritism, without nepotism, and without bureaucracy. Justice must be served for everyone who deserves it.”
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The significance of Kariakoo Market extends far beyond its physical structure. It is the commercial heart of Dar es Salaam, a vital hub for trade across East and Central Africa, and a major contributor to the city’s economy.
Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Albert Chalamila, highlighted the market’s economic impact, noting that the region had surpassed its revenue collection target for the previous fiscal year.
“This market is a symbol of economic diplomacy and a testament to the growth of our nation’s economy and the Dar es Salaam region,” he said.
The original Kariakoo Market, designed by the pioneering Tanzanian architect Beda Amuli, opened in 1975. Its name is a local pronunciation of “Carrier Corps,” a British military unit that was once based in the area.
Kariakoo, where the market is based, has long been a cultural and social epicentre, even hosting the headquarters of two of Tanzania’s most popular football clubs, Simba SC and Young Africans SC, whose rivalry is known as the “Kariakoo Derby.”
President Samia said that with a dedicated internet backbone to facilitate online trade and modern amenities, the new Kariakoo Market is poised to reclaim its position as a premier commercial hub in the region, a symbol of a nation’s resilience and its commitment to a brighter economic future.
