Tanzanians have been urged to prepare themselves early to take full advantage of the economic opportunities that will come with the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), expected to bring thousands of visitors and increased business activities across the country.
The tournament, scheduled for next year, will be jointly hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, placing East Africa at the centre of one of the continent’s biggest sporting events.
The call was made by the Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Paul Makonda, who said AFCON should not only be viewed as a football competition but also as a major platform for citizens to improve their livelihoods.
He said Tanzanians should position themselves to benefit from the expected rise in demand for goods and services such as food vending, accommodation, transport, tourism services and other small business opportunities.
According to him, the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan has continued to invest in key infrastructure improvements, including roads, stadiums and public facilities, in preparation for the continental tournament.
Makonda added that these investments are aimed at ensuring the country is ready to host visitors while also leaving behind long-term benefits for citizens after the tournament ends.
He further encouraged entrepreneurs, youth and small business operators to start preparing now by improving service delivery, building capacity and identifying opportunities that will arise during the competition period.
The Africa Cup of Nations is expected to attract a large number of visitors from across Africa and beyond, creating strong demand in the hospitality, transport and tourism sectors.
Authorities say the event presents a unique chance for Tanzania to strengthen its economy, create jobs and promote the country’s image internationally, if citizens fully engage and take advantage of the opportunities available.
