Race against time: Arusha roads key to Tanzania’s AFCON dream

ARUSHA: WITH the countdown to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) already ticking, Tanzania has sent a clear message, there will be no room for delays.

As the country gears up to co-host Africa’s biggest football spectacle alongside Uganda and Kenya, the government has drawn a hard line on one of the most critical aspects of preparation– infrastructure.

Roads leading to the Samia Suluhu Stadium in Arusha must be completed on time, no excuses, no extensions.

That was the firm directive from Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO-RALG), Professor Riziki Shemdoe, following the signing of construction contracts for key road networks linked to the stadium.

“The roads must be completed by May 2027 and there will be no extension,” he declared words that underline the urgency surrounding Tanzania’s AFCON ambitions.

AFCON 2027, set for June 19 to July 18, is more than a tournament, it’s a test of Tanzania’s readiness to host the continent and the world.

And, while the spotlight will shine on players inside the stadium, it is the roads outside that will determine the experience for thousands of fans, teams and officials.

From the Arusha–Babati highway to the city bypass, a 21.2-kilometre network of tarmac roads is now under construction, including a major bridge along Essuri Road.

The project is valued at 82.9bn/-, a clear sign of the government’s commitment.

Backed by massive funding approved by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the investment reflects a broader vision: using sport as a catalyst for development.

For Arusha, AFCON is proving to be a game changer. Beyond the stadium, the city is undergoing a transformation, new roads, a modern bus terminal, a market and even a conference hall are all part of the upgrade.

AFCON is also expected to deliver economic benefits to local businesses.

Hotels, restaurants, transport providers and vendors will see increased demand, while tourism in the northern circuit, including Ngorongoro Crater and Mount Kilimanjaro is projected to get a major boost.

Officials note that the stadium roads are just the beginning.

Preparations include upgrading power supply, improving water access, enhancing security systems and training volunteers.

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All are geared toward ensuring the tournament leaves a lasting legacy for Arusha and Tanzania as a whole.

Arusha Urban Member of Parliament and Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Mr Paul Makonda, sees the bigger picture.

“This is not just about AFCON; it is about long-term development. Roads are a critical indicator of social and economic progress,” he said.

From the sound above and with just over a year to go before kick-off, the pressure is now firmly on the contractors to deliver quality and timely complete the projects.

The projects, to be executed by China Railway Construction Engineering Group under the supervision of Afrisa Consulting Ltd, comes with strict timelines and even stricter expectations.

Authorities have made it clear: quality cannot be compromised and delays will not be tolerated. A clear and concise message.

In many ways, the real match has already begun, not on the pitch, but on construction sites across Arusha. Every kilometre of road completed brings Tanzania one step closer to delivering a successful AFCON.

Every delay, however, risks more than embarrassment, it risks the country’s reputation on a continental stage.

For now, the message is simple: build fast, build well and be ready. Because when Africa arrives in 2027, Tanzania must be ready to play its part, on and off the field.