By Business Insider Reporter, Chalinze
The 2026 edition of the Tri-Nations Livestock Expo officially opened on June 19 at Mbogo Ranches in Chalinze, Coast Region, bringing together livestock breeders, farmers, investors, financial institutions, policymakers and agribusiness stakeholders from Tanzania, Kenya and Namibia.
The regional event has grown into one of East Africa’s most prominent livestock trade and investment platforms, focusing on improved genetics, technology adoption, market access and cross-border collaboration.
Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba presided over the opening ceremony, underscoring the government’s commitment to transforming livestock from a largely traditional activity into a modern commercial industry capable of creating jobs, boosting exports and improving rural incomes.
The expo aligns with national efforts to increase productivity, attract investment and strengthen value addition across the livestock value chain.
Held under the theme “Strengthening Regional Livestock Excellence through Trade, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships,” the three-day exhibition features superior cattle, sheep and goat breeds, livestock auctions, technical seminars, investment forums and technology showcases.
Organisers say the event has evolved from a modest farmers’ gathering into a regional business platform linking producers with buyers, financiers and technology providers from across Africa.
A major highlight of this year’s expo is the growing involvement of the private sector. NMB Bank Plc has committed TSh300 million over three years to support the event, reflecting increasing confidence in livestock as a strategic economic sector.
The bank says it has already extended more than TSh100 billion in livestock-related financing to support production, infrastructure development and access to improved breeds.
The expo also introduced the inaugural Tri-Nations Woman of the Year Award, designed to recognise women making significant contributions to livestock and agribusiness development in Tanzania, Kenya and Namibia. Organisers say the initiative aims to promote gender inclusion and encourage greater participation of women in commercial agriculture.
Industry stakeholders view the expo as an important platform for accelerating livestock commercialisation, improving animal genetics, facilitating regional trade and positioning Tanzania as a leading hub for livestock investment and innovation in Africa. Enjoy the Expo opening day in pictures which were captured by our photographers.
