Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) gather pace.
The Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Mr Paul Christian Makonda, delivered a letter from President Samia Suluhu Hassan to CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe during a meeting held in Rabat, Morocco.
Mr Makonda, who was accompanied by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary and Government Chief Spokesperson Mr Gerson Msigwa, said President Samia is ready at all times to cooperate with CAF in implementing programmes aimed at developing football across the continent.
He said Tanzania has made significant progress in preparations to co-host AFCON 2027 alongside Kenya and Uganda and is determined to set new standards compared to previous tournaments.
“Tanzania is fully committed to ensuring that AFCON 2027 is well organised and leaves a lasting legacy,” Mr Makonda said, adding that the government is keen for CAF to view Tanzania as a strategic partner to ensure planned investments deliver maximum impact.
He cited improvements in sports infrastructure, successful hosting of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), and ongoing upgrades to stadiums and training facilities as evidence of Tanzania’s readiness.
In response, Dr Motsepe thanked President Samia for the letter and her message of goodwill and partnership, assuring Tanzania of CAF’s full support.
“CAF is ready to work hand in hand with Tanzania to achieve major progress in football development,” Dr Motsepe said.
He praised the efforts made by the Tanzanian government under President Samia, particularly in infrastructure development and the successful organisation of continental tournaments.
Dr Motsepe said CAF will send a team of experts to Tanzania to work with the government and other stakeholders to finalise key preparations for AFCON 2027, which is expected to feature 28 teams, up from the previous 24.
He also confirmed plans to visit Tanzania in the near future to assess preparations firsthand and hold discussions with national leaders.
AFCON 2027 will be the first time the tournament is jointly hosted by three East African countries, a move expected to boost regional cooperation, tourism and sports development.