Mwinyi orders timely completion of AFCON stadium

ZANZIBAR: PRESIDENT Hussein Ali Mwinyi has issued a directive to contractors and state officials to fast-track the Fumba City stadium project, as the Isles ramp up preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Tanzania will co-host the finals alongside Kenya and Uganda.

As part of the tournament arrangement, Tanzania is expected to host two groups, with matches scheduled across several venues, including Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Samia Suluhu Stadium in Arusha, New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar and Fumba City Stadium in Zanzibar.

During President Mwinyi’s inspection of the construction site in the Urban West Region yesterday, Mwinyi reiterated the importance of meeting deadlines, stressing that the facility must be ready in time to support Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda’s joint hosting of the continental tournament.

“I want to see this project complete in time,” he said, underscoring the government’s focus on speed and delivery.

The 35,000-seat stadium, being built by Turkey’s ORKUN Group, is designed to meet Confederation of African Football standards. Officials said construction has reached 50 per cent completion mark.

Officials say the project forms part of a wider urban development plan for Fumba, which will include roads, a hospital, restaurants, shopping centres and other public facilities aimed at transforming the area into a modern urban hub.

Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Riziki Pembe Juma praised the president’s hands-on supervision, saying his commitment was driving progress in the development of sports infrastructure.

Once completed, the stadium is expected to be one of Zanzibar’s key venues for AFCON 2027 matches.