Tanzania’s handcrafts poised to win global markets heading to AFCON 2027 co-hosting

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIAN handcrafts, including woven baskets and locally made leather bags and shoes, are poised to gain new domestic and international markets as the country prepares to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Bella Ragazza Tanzania Founder and Creative Director, Anna Lugenge, revealed this in Dar es Salaam notion that the continental football tournament will provide a major platform for local designers and artisans to showcase Tanzania’s creativity to visitors from across Africa and beyond.

According to Ms Lugenge she and other local producers were ready to capitalise on the tournament by promoting locally made products, including value-added handwoven baskets, leather shoes and handbags.

“Some of the products made in Tanzania cannot be found anywhere else. AFCON 2027 will give us an opportunity to reach more customers and showcase Tanzanian creativity to the international market,” she noted.

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She said preparations were already complete to meet the expected demand, adding that Tanzanians were increasingly embracing locally manufactured products because of their quality.

According to Ms Lugenge, the tournament would not only provide entertainment but also create a valuable platform for small businesses, designers and artisans to expand their customer base and promote the “Made in Tanzania” brand.

Moreover, she urged local producers to maintain high standards of quality and creativity to ensure that visitors attending the tournament leave with a positive impression of Tanzanian-made products.

Tanzania is among the East African countries set to co-host AFCON 2027 alongside Kenya and Uganda, presenting opportunities for businesses across various sectors to benefit from the influx of visitors expected during the tournament.