By The Respondents reporter
Tanzania has signed an 82.9 billion shilling contract to build and upgrade road infrastructure linking to the new stadium for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Arusha.
The project, implemented by the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA), will cover nearly 20 kilometres of paved roads connecting the stadium to major highways, including the Arusha–Babati road and the Arusha bypass.
The contract was signed on March 20 at the stadium site in Arusha and witnessed by senior government officials, including Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government Riziki Shemdoe and Minister of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Minister Paul Makonda.
Shemdoe said the project is fully funded through domestic revenues, underscoring the government’s commitment to delivering key infrastructure ahead of the continental tournament.
“AFCON is not just an African competition but a global event. The roads serving the stadium must meet high standards, which is why the government has prioritised funding for this project,” he said.
He urged the contractor to complete the works by May 2027, warning that no deadline extensions would be granted, and called on local residents to report any delays.
TARURA chief executive Engineer Victor Seff said the project includes 19.9 kilometres of paved roads, featuring both dual and four-lane sections linking the stadium to key routes.
The works will also include the construction of a 100-metre concrete bridge on the Essuri road, the installation of street lighting, pedestrian walkways, and road safety features.
The contract has been awarded to China Railway Construction Engineering Group, with Afrisa Consulting Ltd serving as supervising engineer. The project is expected to be completed within 13 months.
Makonda said investment in road infrastructure is central to economic and social development, urging timely completion of the works.
Tanzania is co-hosting the 2027 AFCON tournament with Kenya and Uganda, and has been ramping up infrastructure development to meet tournament requirements.
