The Government has urged Tanzanians to actively take advantage of the wide range of economic opportunities expected from the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2027, stressing that the continental tournament will serve as a major catalyst for economic growth, investment, and job creation.
Speaking on April 11, 2026, in Dar es Salaam during a stakeholders’ meeting on sports development and the national AFCON 2027 promotional strategy, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports and Government Chief Spokesperson, Gerson Msigwa, said the success of the tournament will depend on collective national participation and coordination across all sectors.
Msigwa noted that the government has already invested more than 1.2 trillion shillings in infrastructure development, sports preparations, and overall coordination of the tournament, emphasizing that such a significant investment must translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
He said AFCON 2027 is not a government event alone, but a national and regional opportunity that should benefit all Tanzanians.
He added that sectors such as tourism, transport, hospitality, food services, and creative industries are expected to experience strong growth as the tournament attracts thousands of visitors from across Africa and beyond.
“AFCON is a major platform that will open doors for business opportunities and international exposure for Tanzania. Every citizen has a role to play in ensuring we maximize these benefits,” Msigwa said.
He further highlighted that the tournament will create opportunities for youth and entrepreneurs, particularly in digital content creation, sports marketing, branding, and cultural promotion.
According to him, the growing sports economy offers a chance for Tanzanians to innovate and participate directly in value chains linked to the event.
Msigwa also called on private sector actors, sports stakeholders, and media organizations to begin early awareness and promotional campaigns aimed at building national excitement and increasing visibility of Tanzania as a co-host.
He stressed that strong collaboration between government institutions, sports associations, and private sector partners will be essential in ensuring smooth preparations and in positioning Tanzania as a successful and competitive host within the East African region.
The government, he said, remains fully committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that the tournament delivers both sporting success and long-term economic and tourism gains beyond the event itself.
The Africa Cup of Nations 2027 will be jointly hosted by three East African countries, including Tanzania, marking a historic milestone for regional cooperation and the development of football infrastructure across the region.
