AFCON 2027: From vision to reality

DAR ES SALAAM: THREE years ago, the announcement that Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda would co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations felt like a dream.

Today, that dream is becoming a national reality. Under the visionary leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the sixth phase government has transformed AFCON 2027 into a development blueprint that will leave a lasting legacy for Tanzanians.

The Minister for Culture, Arts and Sports, Paul Makonda, recently affirmed that “the government is fully committed to delivering a world-class tournament and infrastructure that will serve our people for generations.”

That commitment is already visible on the ground. The Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam is undergoing major modernisation, while new international standard facilities, including a state-of-the-art stadium, are being developed in Arusha.

In addition, the government is upgrading airports, roads and urban transport in all host cities to ensure smooth movement for both visitors and citizens.

These projects are not meant for four weeks of football alone. They are longterm investments in health, education, sports and tourism that will benefit communities for decades.

The human impact is equally important.

According to the Ministry, thousands of youths are being trained in hospitality, tourism, security and event management to serve as volunteers and professionals during the tournament.

This is direct job creation and skills transfer.

Small and medium businesses are also being prepared to tap into the expected increase in visitors.

As the Prime Minister has once said, “AFCON 2027 must be used to empower Tanzanians economically, from mama lishe to hotel owners.”

At the same time, the world will see Tanzania’s natural beauty.

With over one billion viewers expected, images of the Serengeti, Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro will market our country like never before.

For football, the government is working closely with the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) to ensure Taifa Stars is well prepared.

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With home support and proper investment in training and exposure, we have a real opportunity to make the nation proud on home soil.

The tournament also highlights the strength of East African cooperation.

By co-hosting with Kenya and Uganda, Tanzania is demonstrating that unity and shared planning can deliver bigger results for the region.

When the final match is played, what will remain are better stadiums, improved transport, skilled young people, and a stronger global image for Tanzania.

AFCON 2027 is therefore about more than sport.

It is about national pride, economic growth and showing the world the Tanzanian spirit of peace and hospitality.

The government has laid the foundation. Now it is our collective responsibility to support this national project.

Let’s prepare to receive our guests with dignity. Let us keep our environment clean and our conduct exemplary.

When history judges us in 2027, let it say that Tanzania not only hosted Africa. Tanzania showed Africa what is possible.