THE Prime Minister's Office has enabled persons with disabilities across Tanzania to participate in the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (Sabasaba) through the Tanzania Federation of Disabled People's Organisations (SHIVYAWATA).

The initiative has provided exhibitors with an opportunity to showcase their products and services, expand their businesses and connect with potential customers at the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Trade Fair Grounds on Kilwa Road in Dar es Salaam.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Office responsible for Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities, Ummy Nderiananga, expressed satisfaction with the level of participation by persons with disabilities, describing it as a significant step towards greater economic inclusion and empowerment.

She said the Government had fully covered the exhibitors' participation costs, allowing them to promote their businesses and trade on an equal footing without any financial burden.

Nderiananga reaffirmed the Government's commitment to expanding the initiative in future editions of the trade fair to ensure that more persons with disabilities benefit from business and economic opportunities.

She also commended the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TANTRADE) and other institutions that supported the initiative, while urging local government authorities to continue allocating and disbursing the statutory two per cent loans for persons with disabilities to help them grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

"The time has come for persons with disabilities to continue demonstrating their potential in production and business. These trade fair exhibitions clearly show the positive impact of economic empowerment through Government-supported loans and other opportunities," she said.

Speaking on behalf of the exhibitors, Pili Bilahi thanked the Government for enabling them to participate in the fair free of charge.

She also expressed gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for continuing to create an enabling environment that expands economic opportunities for persons with disabilities, including through the two per cent allocation of local government own-source revenue dedicated to supporting them.

The 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair is continuing at the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Trade Fair Grounds under the theme, "The Sabasaba International Trade Fair: Tanzania's Pride," with the aim of promoting trade, investment and innovation.