By Business Insider Reporter
The upcoming Tri-Nations Livestock Expo 2026 is shaping up to be more than just a showcase – it is emerging as a strategic inflection point for Tanzania’s livestock industry.
Scheduled for June 19–21 in Chalinze, Coast Region, the event is already attracting unprecedented demand, with exhibitor slots already sold out and a notable surge in private sector participation.
This year’s expo – whose kickoff is eagerly anticipated both locally and internationally – is themed “Strengthening Regional Livestock Excellence through Trade, Innovation, and Strategic Partnerships.”
The theme reflects a shared commitment to unlocking the sector’s full potential by expanding cross-border market opportunities, accelerating innovation and technology adoption, and forging strong collaborations that will drive sustainable growth and competitiveness across the regional livestock value chain.
Organisers say the heightened interest in the expo reflects a deliberate shift toward a more refined, business-oriented platform – one designed not only to exhibit livestock potential but to unlock investment, strengthen cross-border trade linkages, and accelerate the sector’s transition into a modern, commercially driven ecosystem.
Speaking ahead of the event, Expo Coordinator and Director of Mbogo Ranches, Naweed Mulla, said the platform has rapidly evolved from a modest farmers’ initiative into a regional powerhouse bringing together Tanzania, Kenya, and Namibia.
“This journey began under the Tanzania Commercial Cattle Society (TCCS) around 2022 as a simple effort to unite commercial farmers,” Mr. Mulla told Businerss Insider recently. “Over time, it transitioned into the Mbogo Livestock Show and Auction and, by 2025, evolved into the Tri-Nations Livestock Expo – built on collaboration and a shared vision to transform the sector.”
According to him, the success and current stature of the expo would not have been possible without the support and influence of Boran breeder, breeder Mark Myatt-Taylor of Woragus Boran Stud who pioneered the tri-nations concept. He further noted that the Kenyan breeder also played a key role in recommending the involvement of Martenique Scott of Namibia, citing her strong industry profile and extensive experience in livestock marketing through her company, Real Time Agri., which added significant value to the initiative.
Mr. Mulla emphasized that the expo was created to bridge fragmentation across the livestock value chain by bringing together farmers, financiers, input suppliers, and service providers under one platform.
The goal was to shift livestock farming from subsistence to a fully commercial enterprise while positioning Tanzania as a regional livestock hub, he said. This includes improving genetics, enhancing market access, and accelerating knowledge transfer.
The growth trajectory of the expo underscores its rising influence. Exhibitor numbers have surged from fewer than 15 in its early stages to over 50 in 2026. Daily attendance this year is expected to exceed 5000 visitors, up from just 300–400 in earlier editions.
Mr. Mulla said this level of growth reflects strong confidence from both the private sector and government. “We are also seeing increasing recognition at the highest levels, with national leadership now actively supporting the platform.”
Its official opening will be graced by Vice-President Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi.
The seasoned rancher paid special tribute to President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan and the Sixth Phase Government for their visionary leadership in fostering a stable, enabling environment for livestock development and the growth of agribusiness nationwide.
A key highlight this year is the deepening financial sector involvement. NMB Bank, the main sponsor, has increased its commitment from TSh 30 million to TSh 100 million annually under a three-year agreement worth TSh 300 million.
“This kind of investment shows that the livestock sector is gaining serious financial attention,” Mr Mulla told Business Insider. “We are also supported by a range of partners across silver and bronze categories, reflecting broad-based industry participation.”
Mr. Mulla described the expo as Africa’s first multi-country livestock event featuring cross-border animal participation, with livestock transported over distances exceeding 3,000 kilometres.
“This is not just an exhibition – it is a regional trade and investment platform,” he said. “We are showcasing high-quality breeds such as Boran, Brangus, Beefmaster, and Bonsmara for cattle, alongside Boer, Kalahari Red, Savannah goats, and Dorper sheep.”
The expo has already begun transforming the sector, shifting focus from quantity to quality-driven production. Mr. Mulla cited record sales, including a bull sold for TSh 27 million last year, as evidence of growing market sophistication.
The 2026 edition will feature a structured three-day programme, including an official opening, technical seminars, and a high-profile auction supported by international auctioneers and an online bidding platform.
“We are combining exhibitions, knowledge-sharing sessions, and real-time trade through auctions,” he said. “This integrated approach is what makes the expo unique.”
Beyond commercial gains, the expo is also promoting inclusivity, particularly through small stock farming.
“Goats, sheep and chicken offer an accessible entry point for women, youth, and smallholders,” Mr. Mulla said. “This is critical for building an inclusive livestock economy.” He added that the expo aligns closely with Tanzania’s Dira 2050 development agenda by advancing structured farming systems, strengthening biosecurity frameworks, and enhancing investment readiness across the livestock value chain.
