Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Albert Chalamila, has called on residents and local authorities to turn the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) activities into concrete business and economic opportunities, saying the tournament should directly benefit ordinary citizens through increased trade, tourism, and investment.
Chalamila made the remarks during an inspection tour of the Horse Racing Grounds and Leaders Club in Kinondoni District, facilities that are being upgraded to support training activities during the AFCON tournament.
He directed the contractor to ensure timely completion of the works, stressing that the quality and readiness of the venues must meet international standards ahead of the continental event.
He emphasized that AFCON should not be treated only as a sporting event, but as a major economic platform for Dar es Salaam and the country at large.
He instructed the Kinondoni Municipal Council to put in place deliberate strategies that will enable small businesses, traders, and service providers to benefit from the large number of visitors expected during the tournament.
According to him, the municipality should actively promote tourism products and ensure that citizens are well positioned to participate in commercial activities, including food vending, transport services, hospitality, and cultural exhibitions.
Chalamila also directed the improvement of public recreational and tourism sites, especially Coco Beach, saying such areas must be upgraded to attract both local and international visitors during AFCON.
He stressed the importance of promoting Tanzanian food tourism by creating organized spaces where vendors can showcase local dishes in a clean and well-managed environment.
He further called on authorities to ensure that all infrastructure supporting the event is completed on time, noting that successful delivery of the facilities would reflect positively on Tanzania’s international image and recognize President Samia Suluhu Hassan for securing the country’s role in hosting AFCON-related activities.
During his visit to the Leaders Club grounds, the Regional Commissioner also issued directives to strengthen supporting infrastructure, including improvement of road networks, reliable access to clean water, and enhanced security systems.
He emphasized the need for proper street lighting and urged residents to maintain cleanliness and protect the environment as preparations continue.
Kinondoni District Commissioner, Saad Mtambule, assured residents that the ongoing rehabilitation of the Horse Racing Grounds and Leaders Club will not interfere with community use of the facilities.
He said the venues will remain open for social and recreational activities, including the popular “mwenda pole” fitness exercises, which contribute to public health and help in the prevention of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.
