By Victoria Godfrey
Tanzania has reaffirmed its firm commitment to successfully host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after the government delivered an official message to the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Dr Patrice Motsepe, underscoring the country’s readiness and determination to meet all hosting requirements.
The message is being conveyed by the Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Mr Paul Makonda, who left for Morocco on an official working visit from Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) in Dar es Salaam on January 16, 2026.
Speaking to journalists ahead of his departure, Mr Makonda said the message originates from President Samia Suluhu Hassan and focuses on formal engagement with CAF leadership, reaffirming Tanzania’s position and commitment in the ongoing preparations for AFCON 2027.
He said the initiative forms part of the Sixth Phase Government’s broader agenda to strengthen the sports sector and ensure the country fully complies with CAF’s technical and organisational standards for hosting major continental tournaments.
According to the minister, the government is intensifying efforts in key areas, including the construction and rehabilitation of stadiums, upgrading transport infrastructure, expanding accommodation facilities and enhancing technical and operational capacity in line with international best practices.
Mr Makonda noted that hosting AFCON 2027 will provide Tanzania with a major opportunity to raise its international profile, strengthen sports diplomacy and stimulate economic growth through job creation, tourism and increased commercial activity linked to the tournament.
He added that the government views AFCON 2027 as more than a football competition, describing it as a strategic platform to showcase Tanzania’s capacity, unity and readiness to host large-scale international events.