Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa today represented President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan at the official opening of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), held at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The colourful ceremony marked the beginning of the much-anticipated tournament, which brings together top national teams composed exclusively of players active in their respective domestic leagues.
In the opening fixture, hosts Tanzania (Taifa Stars) faced off against Burkina Faso, drawing thousands of passionate fans to the stadium and millions more across the continent via live broadcast.
This year’s CHAN is historic, being jointly hosted by three East African nations Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda in a unique show of regional unity and cooperation.
The arrangement reflects the East African Community’s growing commitment to strengthening ties through sport and cultural diplomacy.
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Majaliwa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sports development and praised the tournament as a catalyst for youth empowerment, infrastructure growth, and tourism promotion.
“The CHAN tournament is not just about football it’s a celebration of African talent and unity. Hosting it in Tanzania is both an honour and a testament to our readiness to stage major international events,” he said.
The tournament is expected to provide a significant economic boost through tourism, local business engagement, and international visibility. It also offers a unique platform for homegrown football talent to shine on the continental stage.
As the tournament progresses across the three host nations, fans and stakeholders alike are looking forward to a showcase of skill, sportsmanship, and African pride.