The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is expected to unlock major economic opportunities for Tanzania while positioning the country as a key destination for investment and tourism, the Minister of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Paul Makonda, has said.
Speaking at the 5th World Swahili Radio Congress in Arusha, Makonda emphasized that the government is fully prepared to ensure that all preparations for the tournament meet international standards.
He revealed that Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Zanzibar have been equipped with comprehensive strategies to improve infrastructure, social services, and the overall investment environment to support the demands of this major continental event.
“The government is committed to ensuring that AFCON 2027 is not only a sporting spectacle but also a platform to showcase Tanzania as a peaceful, united, and investment-friendly nation,” he said.
Ministers from both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar are expected to conduct inspections of stadiums and related facilities to ensure readiness, while the collaboration with Kenya and Uganda adds further regional and global significance to the tournament.
Makonda noted that the government expects the event to generate at least 60 percent of potential economic opportunities, including employment for youth, growth of small and medium enterprises, and attraction of domestic and foreign investors.
He concluded that AFCON 2027 will go beyond football, serving as a stage to strengthen sports diplomacy and promote Tanzania’s tourism and investment potential to the world.
