INVITATION TO DICOTA 2011 CONVENTION IN WASHINGTON DC SEPTEMBER 22-25

The Diaspora Council of Tanzanians in America (DICOTA) in collaboration with The Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania in the United States is organizing the third convention of Tanzanians in the American Diaspora, to be held in Washington, D.C, on September 22-25, 2011 at the Marriott Washington Dulles Airport hotel.  The theme of the conference this year is “Tanzanians in the Diaspora after 50 years of independence”. 

Attendees will include individuals with ties to or of Tanzanian descent, international organizations, government and business leaders from Tanzania and United States, nonprofit and NGO’s. The highlight of this conference includes a keynote address by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, His Excellency Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete. The President has been invited and we are awaiting his response.

We will celebrate a major landmark – Tanzania turning 50 years since its independence in 1961. We will look back 50 years of the country’s existence and celebrate its achievements and courageously look at where we fell short and seek opportunities for improvement. We will look ahead to the country’s future: with discussions on how to use the power of technology and innovation to address fundamental challenges facing our society. What will it take to make Tanzania a pioneer not just in the region but also globally? 

Tanzania is an emerging market with new and vibrant start-up companies. We will hear from these start-up companies that are increasingly taking the lead in generating jobs and positioning Tanzania to be a dynamic leader in business and economic development. Also among many social activities; we will have inter-States Soccer Tournament, Tanzanians soccer teams from different states will be competing for the UHURU Cup.

The vision of DICOTA is to create a social, economic, and business ecosystem that:

·     Connects Tanzanians in the Diaspora and at home

·     Fosters conscious entrepreneurship in the Tanzanian communities in USA and Tanzania by Educating, Mentoring and Networking

·     Helps Tanzanian corporate professionals succeed as entrepreneurs in the corporate environment

·     Prioritizes higher education among Tanzanians at home and abroad

·     Contributes to the health and wellbeing of Tanzanians at home and abroad

DICOTA is dedicated to the virtuous cycle of wealth creation and economic development of Tanzania and America. DICOTA’s focus is on generating and nurturing our next generation– our children.

DICOTA’s goal is to exchange ideas, best practices and debate issues with inter governmental agencies and organizations, and to be a catalyst of even better cooperation (Economic, Cultural, Education, Technology, Social Services, and Sports) between the United States of America and Tanzania. DICOTA will engage in investment, job creation, higher education, and development projects. DICOTA will celebrate cultural traditions of Tanzania and America and offer social activities for their members.

DICOTA is firmly grounded in the belief in a democratic, non-theocratic, culturally and economically inclusive Tanzania. DICOTA is an independent, non-partisan, non-sectarian organization dedicated to the promotion of knowledge about Tanzania and to the country’s economic growth. The organization hopes to be a credible, constructive and independent voice on Tanzania. Through its body of work, DICOTA will serve as a source for constructive dialogue and a catalyst for positive change in Tanzania, and will offer a diverse Tanzanian voice in public discourse in the United States of America on current issues concerning Tanzania.

We encourage you to attend this convention; the organizing committee will be glad to see you there. Please use the enclosed packet to register for the convention.

We look forward to your participation in this historic convention. If you have any questions please contact us by email (convention@dicotaus.org) or call a convention steering committee representative at     +1-952-217-0265