The government has called on all sectors to step up preparations to receive an expected influx of visitors ahead of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), scheduled to kick off in early August in Tanzania.
Speaking in Dodoma on Friday, the Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, and Coordination), Dr Jim Yonazi, said every sector must get ready to ensure the country delivers a successful tournament that will reflect Tanzania’s growing stature as a regional hub for major international events.
“This is a national opportunity. Our responsibility as government is to create an enabling environment—through infrastructure and coordinated services so that all sectors can fully benefit from this historic moment,” Dr Yonazi said.
He was chairing a high-level inter-ministerial meeting of permanent secretaries to assess preparations for CHAN and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Tanzania will co-host with Kenya and Uganda.
Dr Yonazi underscored the importance of seizing the momentum offered by CHAN to promote Tanzania’s visibility, strengthen service delivery systems, and showcase the country's readiness to host large-scale sporting events.
He urged the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Sports to intensify nationwide campaigns to raise public awareness and engagement ahead of the tournament, describing it as an opportunity to unite the country.
“Through effective mobilisation and public participation, Tanzanians from all walks of life can take ownership of this event and play their part in ensuring its success,” he said.
CHAN 2025 will officially kick off on August 2, with the national team, Taifa Stars, facing Burkina Faso at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. The tournament will attract thousands of players, officials, and fans from across the continent.
With less than a month to go, the government says infrastructure upgrades and inter-agency coordination are key to ensuring visitors enjoy a safe, seamless experience—while also boosting tourism, investment, and local businesses.
“The tournament is not just about football. It’s a platform to promote our national brand and stimulate economic activity across sectors,” Dr Yonazi said.
Tanzania last hosted a major continental football tournament in 2019, when it welcomed youth teams for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. CHAN 2025 will mark the country’s most significant hosting role yet on the senior football stage.