The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthening the sports sector as a key driver of youth employment, talent development, and international recognition for Tanzania.
This was stated by the Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Paul Makonda, during the official opening of the Community Shield match under the PBZ Bank Yamle Cup 2026 held in Zanzibar.
Makonda said the sports industry continues to prove its strong potential in contributing to the national economy, noting that it creates a wide and interconnected value chain that benefits multiple sectors beyond athletes alone.
He explained that while sports directly provide employment to players, coaches, and technical staff, its impact also extends to journalists, transport operators, hoteliers, small business owners, and service providers who thrive during sporting events.
“Sports present a major opportunity for our young people. If well developed, this sector can generate significant employment and stimulate economic growth. Its benefits go far beyond the pitch, touching many areas of business and services,” Makonda said.
He added that the Government is implementing national leadership directives aimed at ensuring young people with sporting talent are given the right environment to succeed.
This includes continued investment in sports infrastructure, strengthening coaching systems, and expanding structured talent development programmes across the country.
Makonda emphasized that the focus is on building a strong sports ecosystem that nurtures talent from grassroots level, enabling young athletes to progress into professional careers and represent the country at higher levels.
He further revealed that next month he is expected to hold strategic discussions in France aimed at strengthening cooperation in football development.
The talks will focus on expanding opportunities for Tanzanian youth to access training in professional clubs and football academies abroad.
According to him, France has played a significant role in shaping football development in Africa, and Tanzania seeks to leverage that experience to improve local systems and raise the overall standard of the game.
“We are working to ensure our young players gain exposure in highly competitive and professional environments. This will not only improve individual skills but also strengthen the quality of our national football,” he noted.
Makonda also stressed the importance of broadening talent identification systems across all regions of the country, rather than relying heavily on major clubs or urban centres.
He pointed out that regions such as Zanzibar, Mwanza, Arusha, Mbeya, Mtwara, Kigoma, and Geita hold immense untapped potential, which must be systematically identified and developed to ensure equal opportunities for all talented youth.
He said strengthening scouting and development structures will help ensure that gifted players are discovered early and supported with proper training pathways to reach elite levels.
On infrastructure development, Makonda highlighted ongoing government efforts to construct modern sports training facilities in both Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania.
These centres, he said, are designed to provide world-class environments for nurturing athletes capable of competing internationally.
He added that the long-term vision is to increase the number of Tanzanian players participating in top global leagues, while also strengthening the national team through international experience gained by players abroad.
Such progress, he noted, will enhance Tanzania’s competitiveness in football and elevate the country’s profile on the global sports stage.
Beyond economic gains, Makonda underscored that sports play a crucial role in promoting unity, peace, and social cohesion among Tanzanians.
He called on all stakeholders, including the private sector, sports institutions, clubs, and development partners, to work together in advancing the growth of the sector.
Makonda concluded by reaffirming the Government’s commitment to positioning sports as a central pillar in national development, with a strong focus on empowering youth and expanding employment opportunities across the country.
