Saba Saba Day (meaning "Seven Seven" in Swahili, referring to July 7) is a national day of political and economic importance in Tanzania. It originated as the anniversary of the founding of the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) in 1954, which led the fight for independence from British colonial rule. Over time, it has also become associated with the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), one of the largest trade fairs in East Africa.

When is Saba Saba Day?

Saba Saba Day is celebrated on July 7 each year.

The following is the list of Saba Saba Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Saba Saba Day?

On July 7, 1954, Julius Nyerere and fellow nationalists founded the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) to fight for self-governance and African majority rule in Tanganyika (now part of Tanzania).

TANU played a central role in mobilizing grassroots support, campaigning for independence, and negotiating with British colonial authorities.

Tanganyika gained independence on December 9, 1961, and TANU became the ruling party, with Nyerere as the first Prime Minister (later President).

Thus, July 7 became an annual date to commemorate TANU's founding and its contributions to national liberation.

In the 1960s and 70s, under President Nyerere's Ujamaa socialism, Saba Saba also became a platform to promote national economic self-reliance and showcase local industry.

In 1963, the government began hosting the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) around July 7. It soon became the central event of Saba Saba celebrations. Over time, Saba Saba Day came to symbolize both political freedom and economic development.