DODOMA: AS part of its preparations for the 2027 AFCON finals, the government plans to meet with sports stakeholders, including businessmen, to discuss investment ways.
Deputy Minister for Culture, Arts and Sports, Hamis Mwinjuma, revealed this yesterday in Dodoma when he responded to a question from a Member of Parliament for Makete constituency, Festo Sanga.
“Tanzania won the bid to host the African Football Finals (AFCON 2027) in September 2023 in Cairo, Egypt, with Kenya and Uganda.
Coordination of preparations continues through joint meetings, and each country renovates and builds infrastructure that meet CAF requirements and criteria.
“In terms of hotels, the government is still negotiating with stakeholders and owners of significant hotels to upgrade them so that they can satisfy requirements and eventually serve AFCON 2027 tourists.”
In the run to meet the criteria, the deputy minister noted that Tanzania is now preparing for the development and restoration of infrastructure, particularly stadiums.
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With the government beginning construction of a football stadium in the city of Arusha with a capacity of 30,000 spectators.
Similarly, in fiscal year 2023/24, the government is upgrading the Uhuru and Benjamin Mkapa Stadiums in Dar es Salaam, while the government of Zanzibar has upgraded the New Amaan Complex extensively.
Along with the continuing building and refurbishment of stadiums, the government intends to build stadiums in Dodoma and Fumba in Zanzibar.
This Tuesday, the government confirmed that construction of stadiums and infrastructure for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals is on track and expected to be completed by 2025.
He said the stadiums would be constructed in Arusha, Dodoma, Zanzibar, Ilemela and Malya College. The stadiums must be completed by 2025 to meet the CAF deadline, he added.
The government is renovating Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam and New Amaan Complex and Gombani Stadium in Zanzibar to host the 2024 CHAN and 2027 AFCON finals.
The renovations also include infrastructure improvements at 56 sports schools and five football fields owned by Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM).
To ensure the availability of sufficient sports coaches, the government has been increasing enrolment in sports teacher training institutions, particularly the Malya Sports Development College and the University of Dar es Salaam.
The completion and inspection of these stadiums are crucial steps in ensuring Tanzania’s readiness to host AFCON 2027, showcasing the country’s dedication to sports excellence.
The extensive infrastructure development and upgrades underline the government’s strategic approach to fostering a vibrant sports culture and creating opportunities for athletes to thrive on the international stage.
