TZ gears up for AFCON 2027 with over 1tr/- investment

TANZANIA: TANZANIA is going full throttle in its preparations to host the prestigious 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with the government committing a historic investment of over 1tr/- to sports infrastructure.

This ambitious initiative, championed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, signals the country’s unwavering determination to deliver a world-class tournament. The monumental investment, one of the largest in Tanzania’s sporting history was officially announced by Gerson Msigwa, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports.

Addressing journalists yesterday in Dar es Salaam, Msigwa reaffirmed the government’s resolve to ensure that Tanzania not only hosts AFCON 2027 but does so with distinction.

“The government is fully committed to making this event a success and showcasing Tanzania on the global sports stage,” Msigwa emphasized.

At the heart of these preparations is the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, which is currently undergoing significant renovations. According to Msigwa, 40,000 brand-new seats have already arrived, with an additional 22,000 seats expected to be delivered shortly.

In a patriotic flourish, the new seats will reflect the vibrant colours of the Tanzanian national flag, a move designed to evoke national pride and energize both fans and players.

“The renovation is progressing well. We expect the installation of all seats and related upgrades to be completed by the end of this month,” he stated.

Beyond seating improvements, attention is also being given to the stadium’s playing surface. Minor repairs are currently underway to maintain pitch quality for ongoing events. However, a comprehensive overhaul of the pitch has been scheduled to begin immediately after the upcoming CHAN tournament.

“This is just phase one,” Msigwa explained. “After CHAN, we’ll launch a full-scale upgrade of the pitch to meet international standards in time for AFCON.”

This bold push into sports development underscores Tanzania’s growing ambition to establish itself as a major player in African football. It also aligns with President Samia’s broader vision to leverage sports as a catalyst for economic growth, national unity, and international recognition.

As the countdown to AFCON 2027 continues, Tanzania’s preparations are gaining momentum — and if the current pace is any indication, the country is well on its way to staging an unforgettable tournament on African soil.