The government has reiterated its commitment to upgrading sports facilities across the country to meet international standards and support the growth of sports long after the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.
The assurance was given by Deputy Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Hamis Mwinjuma, following an inspection tour of ongoing seat installation works at CCM Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga on June 3, 2026.
Mwinjuma expressed satisfaction with the quality of work completed so far and praised the stadium management for the innovative arrangement of the seats, which has enhanced the venue’s visual appeal.
The seats were supplied by the government from Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and have contributed significantly to improving the image and status of one of Tanzania’s most historic football venues.
He said the ongoing improvements are part of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s broader vision to transform the country’s sports infrastructure and position Tanzania to host major international tournaments.
According to the deputy minister, the Sixth Phase Government has made substantial investments in the renovation of Benjamin Mkapa and Uhuru stadiums, while also undertaking the construction of a modern stadium in Arusha as part of preparations for AFCON 2027 and future sporting events.
“The seat installation project at Mkwakwani Stadium has been executed to a high standard. The government, working closely with stakeholders, will continue exploring ways to complete the remaining sections as resources become available. We also urge football fans and the public to safeguard this infrastructure so that it can serve current and future generations,” Mwinjuma said.
He further called on the private sector, football stakeholders and development partners to support government efforts by contributing towards the completion of the remaining works, noting that strong collaboration is essential for the development of modern sports facilities.
Mkwakwani Stadium Manager, Nassoro Makau, said the government provided 6,500 seats during the first phase of the project and all of them have been successfully installed.
He noted that an additional 2,500 seats are needed to complete all planned sections of the stadium. The installed seats currently cover the Main Stand, Rail One and Rail Two sections, while the popular “Urusi” stand remains the only area yet to receive seating.
Makau said the improvements have transformed the spectator experience and enhanced safety standards at the venue.
Following the upgrades, CCM Mkwakwani Stadium now has the capacity to accommodate 9,000 fans in a more organised and comfortable seating arrangement.
The stadium improvements are part of the government's wider strategy to strengthen sports infrastructure nationwide, improve the quality of football venues and create lasting benefits from Tanzania’s preparations to co-host AFCON 2027.
