AFCON 2027 offers Tanzania chance to shine beyond the pitch
DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA is positioning the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as more than a football tournament, with the government viewing the event as a strategic opportunity to boost the country’s international profile, stimulate economic growth and promote its tourism, culture and investment potential.
That message was reinforced this week by the Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, Coordination and People with Disabilities) and Chairman of the National Committee of Permanent Secretaries for AFCON 2027 preparations, Jim Yonazi, during an inspection of sports infrastructure in Dar es Salaam.
Yonazi said hosting AFCON should go beyond organising football matches and serve as a national platform for promoting Tanzania to investors, tourists and international audiences. He urged government institutions, the private sector and citizens to work together to maximise the tournament’s long-term benefits.
“AFCON 2027 is more than a football tournament; it is a platform to promote Tanzania to the world,” Dr Yonazi said. “Every institution has a responsibility to ensure the country gains maximum benefit from this opportunity.” The inspection brought together permanent secretaries from several ministries and heads of public institutions, reflecting the government’s coordinated approach to preparing for the tournament.
The delegation visited the Major General Isamuhyo Stadium, Law School Grounds, Leaders Club Grounds, Gymkhana Club Grounds, Farasi Pamoja Grounds and the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium to assess construction and rehabilitation works and ensure they meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards.
The Director of Sports Development in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Boniface Tamba, said preparations remain on schedule. He said construction of sports facilities and supporting infrastructure has entered its final stages, while roads leading to competition venues are nearing completion.
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“Preparations are progressing rapidly and the necessary infrastructure is in the final stages to ensure Tanzania is ready to host AFCON 2027 according to the required standards,” Tamba said.
Infrastructure progress
According to the Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Paul Makonda, the preparations extend beyond stadiums to include roads, accommodation, transport, security, healthcare, communications and hospitality, all of which are essential to hosting a successful tournament.
As the government have been working day and night to ensure all the services are on track before the finals commence next year. In Arusha, major road and infrastructure projects are underway to improve connectivity and support the successful hosting of AFCON 2027.
Key developments include the upgrading of the Mbauda–Losinyai and Tanganyika Packers (Moshono) roads into a combined 70-kilometre network of four-lane and two-lane highways. The project is being implemented by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
To improve access to the stadium, authorities are constructing nearly 20 kilometres of tarmac roads linking the venue to the Arusha–Babati Highway and the Arusha Bypass. The roads include the 6.5-kilometre Mateves–Bondeni Road, the 2.75-kilometre Lendita Road and the 2.45-kilometre Essari Road.
Street lighting is also being installed along key transport corridors, including the route connecting Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) to the stadium, to enhance safety and improve visibility during the tournament.
Meanwhile, the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) has cleared businesses and utility infrastructure from the Arusha Bypass Road reserve to pave the way for planned road improvements and enhance road safety.
Tourism opportunity
Recognising AFCON’s global audience, Yonazi directed the Tanzania Tourism Board (TTB) to develop a strategy to market the country during the tournament.
The event is expected to attract thousands of visitors, offering Tanzania an opportunity to promote attractions such as the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Mount Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar and its cultural heritage. In reference to the recent edition in Morocco, authorities in Morocco confirmed over 1.3 million international tourists in January 2026 alone.
The record represented a three per cent year-on-year increase from the previous January, a massive feat considering late 2025 was already tracking at all-time historic highs. This reflects how much the AFCON finals can contribute to our nation’s increase in visitors to our country and other sectors, including tourism, as per what Morocco recorded during the AFCON finals in Morocco.
According to CAF, Morocco set a record as the most-viewed continental championship in history across social media and online streaming platforms during the last edition. CAF stated Morocco had reached 6 billion digital views. In a move to boost tourism, efforts have been made to date, including the appearance of prominent sports icons in the country, such as Didier Drogba, Rio Ferdinand and boxer Travis Crawford.
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The three paid a visit to different tourist sites, including the Serengeti National Park and used the Standard Gauge to travel from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma and see the beauty of the country through the journey. With Ferdinand making a promise to return to Tanzania, as it was mesmerising being in the country and for Crawford was officially appointed Tanzania Tourism Ambassador.
According to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Hassan Abbas, the England Football legend Gary Lineker has endorsed Tanzania as East Africa’s premier tourism destination and the home of AFCON 2027. More exciting, Abbas confirmed, Lineker is set to visit Tanzania and experience its world-famous attractions firsthand.
Economic impact
Beyond tourism, AFCON is expected to generate wider economic benefits through infrastructure development, job creation and increased business activity. Construction projects have created employment for engineers, contractors, technicians and labourers, while hotels, restaurants, transport operators, retailers and entertainment businesses are preparing for increased demand from players, officials, journalists and supporters.
Small and medium-sized enterprises are also expected to benefit through higher demand for food, crafts, clothing and other locally produced goods. Following the opportunity available, recently the government has Tanzanians to seize economic opportunities expected from the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Regional cooperation
AFCON 2027 will mark the first time East African nations jointly host Africa’s premier football tournament, strengthening regional cooperation and showcasing the region’s capacity to stage major international events.
The tournament is also expected to improve transport links, encourage trade and promote cultural exchange among participating countries. Recently, the government has put in place measures to ensure fast and smooth immigration services ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which the country will co-host with Kenya and Uganda.
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Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Ayoub Mohammed Mahmoud told the National Assembly in June that the government is putting in place special measures at airports, seaports and border posts to handle the expected rise in visitors during the tournament. He said the aim is to ensure efficient entry and movement for players, officials, supporters and tourists arriving for the competition.
“The government wants to ensure that all visitors coming to Tanzania for AFCON 2027 are served efficiently from the moment they arrive,” he said. He added that the Ministry of Home Affairs is working to modernise immigration services to meet international standards and handle higher passenger volumes.
