The Land of Kilimanjaro Comes to Serbia: Tanzania Confirms Participation in Expo 2027 Belgrade

The United Republic of Tanzania, a country of breathtaking natural beauty in eastern Africa, on the Indian Ocean shore, has officially confirmed its participation in Expo 2027 Belgrade, the first International Exhibition in the Western Balkans. It is one of the 119 countries that will be coming to Serbia in two years.

Bilateral diplomatic relations between Serbia and Tanzania, officially established in 1961, are based on a tradition of cooperation within the Non-Aligned Movement. Historically, the two countries have shared very close ties, with the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia being one of Tanzania’s closest international allies.

Dušan Borovčanin, CEO of Expo 2027 LLC, Belgrade, stated that Expo 2027 is the perfect opportunity for Serbia and Tanzania to deepen their bond through play, music, and sport.

“Tanzania is a country of fascinating nature, with many tourist attractions, and we are very happy that in two years, at Expo 2027, we will be able to bring all of its beauty and rich cultural heritage closer to millions of visitors in Serbia. We are grateful to Tanzania for joining the 'Play for Humanity' initiative and for helping to unite the world through play, music, and sport,” Borovčanin added.

Tanzania is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, which became widely known to the public through the famous automobile expedition Kragujevac – Kilimanjaro in 1975, when Zastava 101 cars reached the roof of Africa.

An integral part of Tanzania is the island of Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean, one of the most popular global tourist destinations. Other major natural landmarks in the country include the Serengeti National Park, famous for the annual great migration of wildebeest and other wildlife, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika.

One of the most popular social games in Tanzania is bao, a game played with small stones or seeds (kete) that helps bring people closer together. The most famous dances are mdundiko, performed by women from the Zaramo tribe, and sindimba, performed by the Makonde tribe. Singeli is a popular Tanzanian music genre characterized by fast tempos, electronic rhythms, and lyrics in Swahili.

Football, athletics, and boxing are the most popular sports in the country. The globally most famous athletes from Tanzania include Filbert Bayi, a former middle-distance runner; Suleiman Nyambui, a former long-distance runner; and Mbwana Ali Samatta, a footballer for Greek PAOK and captain of the national football team. In addition, Tanzania will co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, the main African football tournament, alongside Uganda and Kenya.

Tanzania debuted in International Exhibitions at Expo 1967 Montreal and has been a regular participant in World and Specialised Expos ever since. The country became a member of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) for the second time in 1997.

Expo 2027 Belgrade will take place from May 15 to August 15, 2027, with the theme “Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All,” and is expected to attract more than four million visitors during 93 days. More than 120 countries, international organizations, and companies are expected to participate.