Samia drums up AFCON investors
ZANZIBAR: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has urged international investors to capitalise on a brand-new football stadium currently under construction in Zanzibar, specifically engineered to host the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2027).
Speaking with immense pride at the official closure of the annual Kizimkazi Festival, President Samia highlighted that the state-of-the-art sporting facility will transform the beautiful archipelago into a premier African football hub, opening up unprecedented commercial avenues and infrastructure developments for the entire region.
The ambitious venue project represents a monumental economic shift for the local landscape.
“Different from how it was in 2016 when we started this festival, Kizimkazi has had many businesses and investment opportunities,” President Samia noted, explaining how strategic state infrastructure projects continue to draw global businesses to the Islands.
With the continental tournament locked in for next year, the government is working tirelessly to finalise the venue, ensuring it satisfies strict tournament criteria to host Africa’s elite footballers and thousands of visiting supporters.
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The Head of State warmly invited the global business community to step forward and leverage the major tournament.
“We are continuing to build a sports stadium that when completed, will be able to be used in the AFCON championship,” she announced. “That stadium is an opportunity for you investors. Come and invest for the services that will be provided to the players and all the people who will participate.”
She heavily praised Zanzibar’s leadership for engineering a highly receptive financial climate, encouraging corporations to establish hospitality, retail, tourism and transport businesses before the crowds arrive.
Crucially, President Samia explicitly linked this high-profile footballing expansion to national stability, reminding citizens that elite international tournaments require absolute social harmony to succeed.
Addressing a passionate crowd, she stressed that tourism, local employment and multi-million-pound investments simply cannot survive in a chaotic environment.
“I ask my fellow Tanzanians, especially the youth, do not accept to destroy the peace of your country,” she urged. “Let us protect our Tanzania and our Union for the future of our generations.”
