The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, through the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA), has signed a TZS82.9 billion contract for the construction and upgrading of roads leading to and surrounding the new stadium for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Arusha.
The signing ceremony took place today, March 20, 2026, at the AFCON stadium in Arusha, and was witnessed by the Guest of Honour, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), Prof. Riziki Shemdoe (MP), Minister of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Paul Makonda (MP), party and government leaders, religious figures, and local residents.
Speaking after the signing, Minister Prof. Shemdoe emphasized that the project, funded with over Sh80 billion from domestic revenue, should be preserved by the people of Arusha.
“AFCON is not just an African tournament; it is a global event. The roads leading to the AFCON stadium must be of high quality. That is why President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan approved the use of domestic funds for the construction of these roads,” he said.
He also urged the contractor to complete the work by May 2027, as there will be no extensions. Prof. Shemdoe encouraged Arusha residents to report any delays or irregularities in the project so corrective measures can be taken, noting that the project benefits all Tanzanians.
The Minister thanked President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for approving a 22% increase in TARURA’s 2026/27 budget to improve the agency’s road network.
Minister Paul Makonda, who is also the MP for Arusha Urban Constituency, emphasized that investment in road infrastructure is a collective agenda that connects all citizens. He noted that roads are a key indicator of social and economic development and urged TARURA to ensure timely completion.
TARURA’s Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Victor Seff, said the project involves constructing 19.9 km of roads with paved surfaces leading to the stadium from the Arusha–Babati main road and the Arusha Bypass, as well as roads surrounding the stadium.
He detailed that the Mateves–Bondeni road will cover 6.5 km (1.5 km four lanes and 5 km two lanes) from the Arusha–Babati main road, Lendita Road will be 2.75 km four lanes, Essuri Road will be 2.45 km four lanes from the Arusha Bypass, and 1.5 km of roads will encircle the stadium.
The project will also include the construction of a 100-meter-wide concrete bridge on Essuri Road, installation of street lighting, pedestrian walkways, and essential road safety markings.
The contractor for the project is China Railway Construction Engineering Group, with a 13-month timeline, supervised by consulting engineers from Afrisa Consulting Ltd, Dar es Salaam.
