Tanzania envisions the benefits of hosting AFCON as its preps rage on

ARUSHA: Tanzanians have been urged to take advantage of various economic opportunities arising from the construction of a new football stadium underway in Arusha City for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The call was made today, January 30, 2026, by the Chairperson of the Committee of Permanent Secretaries, who is also the Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities), Dr Jim Yonazi, during a committee visit to inspect the progress of the project.

Speaking after the visit, Dr Yonazi said he was satisfied with the pace of construction, noting that the project has reached 74 percent completion. He described the stadium as a strategic investment that will continue to benefit the country even after the conclusion of the AFCON 2027 tournament.

He said the stadium will not only host international competitions but will also be used for domestic matches and other major events, creating opportunities for businesspeople, service providers and the general public.

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Dr Yonazi added that the project is being implemented in line with high-quality standards, including the development of infrastructure that is friendly to persons with disabilities, to ensure equal access to services for both visitors and local users of the facility.

The Arusha Stadium is part of the Tanzanian Government’s preparations for co-hosting the AFCON 2027 tournament alongside Kenya and Uganda.

Completion of the stadium is expected to stimulate growth in sports tourism and boost economic activities in Arusha City, which is one of the leading tourism hubs in East Africa.