The Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA) has identified the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as a strategic opportunity to promote Tanzania’s tourism industry while equipping students with practical skills that will enable them to thrive in a rapidly growing sector.
Speaking to journalists at the institute’s exhibition booth during the ongoing Public Service Week celebrations at Chinangali Park in Dodoma, IAA Dodoma Campus Manager, Prof. Epaphra Manamba, said the continental football tournament presents far-reaching benefits beyond sports, particularly for the education and tourism sectors.
He noted that AFCON 2027, which Tanzania will co-host alongside Kenya and Uganda, will attract thousands of visitors from across Africa and other parts of the world, creating an unprecedented platform to showcase the country’s tourism potential.
“AFCON is not only about sports and entertainment. For a country like Tanzania, and especially considering Arusha’s status as a tourism hub, it offers a valuable opportunity to market our tourism attractions internationally,” Prof. Manamba said.
He explained that IAA is preparing both students and lecturers in its tourism programmes to actively participate in tourism-related activities during the tournament, enabling students to gain practical exposure while helping to promote Tanzania’s diverse attractions.
According to Prof. Manamba, the institute also plans to evaluate the impact of AFCON on its tourism programmes after the tournament in order to identify lessons and opportunities for future improvements in training and industry engagement.
Beyond tourism, Prof. Manamba highlighted the growing role of technology in expanding access to higher education, saying IAA has invested heavily in digital learning infrastructure to ensure students can access quality education regardless of their location.
“We are reaching students wherever they are. Technological advancements have enabled learners to pursue their studies from any location, provided they have access to our services.
This has opened doors for many individuals who would otherwise be unable to enroll because of work or personal commitments,” he said.
He revealed that nearly all IAA campuses are equipped with smart boards and reliable internet connectivity, allowing lecturers based at the institution’s main campus in Arusha to deliver lessons remotely to students in Dodoma and other campuses across the country.
The increased number of international visitors to Tanzania in recent years has also contributed to a growing demand for skilled tourism professionals, Prof. Manamba said, adding that the trend has led to a rise in student enrollment in tourism-related programmes.
He stressed that IAA’s academic approach is firmly rooted in competency-based education, focusing on equipping students with practical skills and industry-relevant knowledge rather than solely academic qualifications.
“Our programmes are designed around competencies. We focus on what graduates are capable of doing after completing their studies. The goal is to produce professionals who can solve real-world challenges, contribute effectively in the workplace and create employment opportunities for themselves and others,” he said.
Prof. Manamba further said the institute is aligning its training programmes with Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050, which emphasizes innovation, productivity and private-sector-led growth.
He noted that under the vision, the private sector is expected to play a central role in driving economic development, while the government continues to provide supportive infrastructure and a conducive business environment.
“The Development Vision 2050 recognizes the private sector as a key engine of economic transformation. Our responsibility as an educational institution is to prepare graduates with the skills, innovation and entrepreneurial mindset needed to contribute to that transformation,” he said.
As part of that effort, IAA operates a Business Incubator programme that supports students in developing business ideas, registering companies, connecting with stakeholders and potential investors, and transforming innovative concepts into viable enterprises even before graduation.
Meanwhile, IAA alumnus Justine Kitaja, who holds both a Diploma and a Master’s Degree from the institution, praised the institute for delivering market-oriented education that responds to evolving labour market demands.
As an ambassador of the institution, Kitaja encouraged young people to take advantage of the opportunities available at IAA, saying the knowledge and practical skills offered by the institute empower graduates to become entrepreneurs and job creators in addition to seeking formal employment.
He said he remains proud to be associated with the institution and credited its innovative curriculum and hands-on training approach for helping graduates succeed in their professional careers and business ventures.
With AFCON 2027 drawing closer, IAA believes the tournament will not only boost Tanzania’s tourism profile but also provide a valuable learning platform for students, helping to develop a skilled workforce capable of supporting the country’s long-term economic ambitions.
