In this interview, the coordinator of the Tri-Nations Livestock Expo and Director of Mbogo Ranches, Naweed Mulla, unpack the journey, vision, and transformative impact of a platform that is rapidly redefining the livestock sector across Tanzania, Kenya, and Namibia. Read on…
QUESTION: Let’s start at the beginning – what inspired the creation of the Tri-Nations Livestock Expo?
ANSWER: The idea has its roots in earlier efforts to organize and strengthen the livestock sector in Tanzania. As part of the Tanzania Commercial Cattle Society (TCCS), we brought together commercial farmers from regions like Iringa, Songea, and Dar es Salaam. These included major players such as Asas, Shafa, and Ovaland Farms.
Through that experience, we identified a major gap – there was no unified platform that connected all stakeholders across the livestock value chain. Farmers, financiers, feed producers, veterinarians, and animal health companies were operating in silos. The expo was conceived to bridge that gap.
Q: How did TCCS shape the early development of the expo?
A: TCCS played a foundational role. It provided the initial network and credibility needed to launch the first livestock exhibition in 2022. At that stage, it was purely an exhibition platform – focused on networking, knowledge sharing, and industry dialogue. It allowed us to test the concept and understand stakeholder appetite.
Q: The expo was not organized in 2023. What changed after that?
A: Yes, 2023 was a challenging year, particularly due to sponsorship constraints and participation issues. But we returned stronger in 2024 with a more refined event. That edition gained national attention, notably with the then Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Dotto Biteko, attending as Guest of Honour.
It was also a turning point structurally. Around that time, the expo transitioned under Mbogo Ranches, evolving into the Mbogo Livestock Show and Auction. This shift allowed us to integrate more commercial elements into the event.
Q: What was the significance of introducing auctions?
A: The introduction of auctions in 2024 was a game-changer. It transformed the expo from a passive exhibition into an active marketplace. For the first time, animals were sold on-site, and we saw a Boran bull fetch approximately TSh 8 million. This demonstrated that the platform could deliver real economic value – not just conversations, but transactions.
Q: How did the idea of expanding into a tri-nation model emerge?
A: The turning point came in 2025 during a meeting with Mark Myatt-Taylor of Woragus Boran Stud, a Boran breeder from Kenya, during a consultation in West Kilimanjaro. We were discussing livestock improvement, and I shared the vision for the Mbogo Expo.
He suggested bringing in Kenyan breeders, particularly because of their strong Boran genetics. He also connected us with Martenique Scott from Namibia, who specializes in livestock marketing through Real Time Agri.
Through continued discussions, the idea evolved into a collaborative regional platform – bringing together Tanzania, Kenya, and Namibia. That’s how the Tri-Nations Livestock Expo was born.
Q: Why specifically Kenya and Namibia?
A: Both countries offer advanced expertise in different areas. Kenya is renowned for its strong breeding culture, particularly in Boran cattle. Namibia, on the other hand, has highly structured livestock systems, including organized auctions and digital livestock marketing platforms. By integrating these strengths, we are accelerating knowledge transfer into Tanzania while fostering regional cooperation.
Q: How has the expo evolved since becoming a tri-nation platform?
A: The growth has been remarkable. We’ve moved from a modest exhibition to a fully-fledged international event. Today, the expo includes auctions, seminars, business networking, and cross-border participation.
Exhibitor numbers have grown to over 50, and attendance is expected to exceed 5,000 visitors per day this year. Importantly, exhibitor space has sold out – an indication of strong confidence in the platform.
Q: What makes this expo unique compared to others in Africa?
A: It is the first collaborative livestock expo on the continent where animals are transported across borders for exhibition and sale. That level of integration is unprecedented. But beyond that, it combines three critical elements: collaboration, commerce, and knowledge sharing. It’s not just an event – it’s a working ecosystem.
Q: What are the major highlights of the 2026 edition?
A: This year, we’ve significantly upgraded the experience. We have expanded infrastructure, introduced international auctioneers, and enabled online bidding to attract global buyers. There’s also a more structured three-day programme, designed to balance exhibitions, learning sessions, and commercial activities.
Q: How important is sponsorship in making this happen?
A: Sponsorship is absolutely critical. Support from institutions like NMB Bank allows us to deliver a professional, high-quality event. Without strong partnerships, scaling an initiative of this magnitude would be extremely difficult.
Q: What impact is the expo having on Tanzania’s livestock sector?
A: The impact is both immediate and long-term. One of the biggest benefits is improved access to high-quality genetics. Farmers can now interact directly with top breeders from across the region without having to travel abroad. More importantly, the expo is shifting the mindset of the sector – from quantity to quality. Tanzania has a large livestock population, but the challenge has always been quality and consistency, which affects competitiveness in meat markets.
Q: Why is genetics such a central focus?
A: Genetics are the foundation of productivity. High-quality breeds produce better meat, grow faster, and are more resilient. Through the expo, we’ve introduced breeds such as Brangus, Beefmaster, Bonsmara, and improved Brahman. These breeds already exist in Tanzania, but not in sufficient numbers. By bringing in regional breeders, we are accelerating genetic improvement.
Q: The expo also emphasizes small stock. Why is that important?
A: Small stock – especially goats, chicken and sheep – are vital for inclusivity. They require less land, less capital, and are easier to manage, making them ideal for smallholders, youth, and women. We’ve introduced breeds like Boer, Kalahari Red, and Savannah goats, as well as Dorper and Van Rooy sheep from Namibia. These have generated strong interest and opened up new opportunities.
Q: What opportunities does the livestock sector currently offer?
A: The opportunities are vast. Beyond breeding, there is potential in feed production, veterinary services, meat processing, logistics, and retail. As the sector becomes more commercialized, we expect increased investment across the entire value chain.
Q: How does the expo support national development aspirations like Dira 2050?
A: The expo aligns closely with Dira 2050 by promoting commercialization, private sector investment, and modernization of agriculture. It encourages structured, market-oriented livestock production, which is essential for long-term economic transformation.
Q: What is your long-term vision for the Tri-Nations Livestock Expo?
A: Our vision is to build a leading regional hub for livestock innovation, trade, and collaboration. We want to see more Tanzanian farmers meeting international standards, participating actively in auctions, and accessing export markets. Ultimately, it’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem – one that connects farmers to better genetics, better markets, and better knowledge. If we achieve that, the livestock sector will not only grow but thrive as a key pillar of the national economy.
