Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has said that the decision by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, and the President of Zanzibar, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, to endorse Tanzania as a host of the AFCON and CHAN tournaments will play a significant role in advancing the country’s sports and tourism sectors.
Speaking on April 7, 2025, after inspecting renovation and construction works at Amani, Maisara, and Mao Zedong stadiums in Zanzibar, the Prime Minister noted that the upcoming tournaments will create opportunities for local athletes to improve their performance and strive to meet the standards required to compete at continental levels.
“The arrival of international teams and their delegations will drive demand for accommodation, food, and transport. This presents a major economic opportunity for hotel owners, transport operators, and related service providers. It’s a great chance our Presidents Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan and Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi have brought to our nation,” he said.
Prime Minister Majaliwa expressed satisfaction with the ongoing renovation efforts, commending the companies REFORM and ORKUN for their high-quality work.
“These companies have constructed stadiums that meet internationally accepted standards,” he remarked.
He emphasized the importance of preserving the upgraded infrastructure, urging Tanzanians to ensure that the quality achieved through the renovations is maintained until the tournaments are held.
“While many citizens are eager to use these facilities, they must understand that the stadiums are currently under special inspection by the Confederation of African Football. We must maintain proper procedures to safeguard the current quality,” he added.
The Prime Minister noted that the government would allow the use of the stadiums for major sporting events when necessary, provided that routine maintenance is carried out afterward to retain their high standards.
He further underscored the wider impact the tournaments will have across different sectors, particularly tourism and trade.
“These events will bring enormous benefits. Each team will come with a large group of officials and supporters, which translates into increased business and exposure for our country.”
The Prime Minister was accompanied during the inspection tour by Zanzibar’s Minister of Information, Youth, Culture and Sports, Tabia Maulid Mwita, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Sports, Gerson Msigwa.
