The Government has called on all sectors in the country to take full advantage of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2027), saying the tournament presents a major opportunity for Tanzania to promote itself internationally and attract investment, tourism, and economic growth.
Speaking on July 1, 2026, during an inspection tour by the National Committee of Permanent Secretaries overseeing AFCON 2027 preparations, the Chief Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister (Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities), Dkt. Jim Yonazi, said the country must treat the tournament as a national development platform, not just a sporting event.
Dkt. Yonazi, who chairs the committee, said AFCON 2027 offers Tanzania a rare chance to showcase its progress to millions of people across Africa and beyond, especially in sectors such as tourism, infrastructure, and investment.
He stressed that all government institutions and stakeholders must work together to ensure successful delivery of the tournament and maximize its long-term benefits.
“AFCON 2027 is not only about football. It is a powerful platform for Tanzania to present itself to the world. Every sector must play its part to ensure the country fully benefits from this opportunity,” said Dkt. Yonazi.
He added that the tournament is expected to attract thousands of visitors, including players, officials, media teams, and fans, creating wide opportunities for business growth and promotion of Tanzania’s tourism attractions.
During the visit, the committee inspected key sports and training facilities in Dar es Salaam to assess progress of preparations ahead of the continental event.
The inspected venues included the Meja Jenerali Isamuhyo Stadium, Law School training grounds, Leaders Club grounds, Gymkhana Club facilities, horse racing grounds, and the national stadium, the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, which is expected to play a central role during the tournament.
The inspection aimed to evaluate the progress of renovations and readiness of infrastructure that will host teams, officials, and supporters during AFCON 2027.
Dkt. Yonazi directed the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) to develop a strong marketing strategy that will promote Tanzania’s tourism attractions, cultural heritage, and investment opportunities during the tournament period.
He said AFCON 2027 should be used as a global marketing window for the country, adding that coordinated promotion will help strengthen Tanzania’s image internationally.
On the progress of preparations, the Director of Sports Development in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Boniface Tamba, said infrastructure works are progressing well and are in their final stages in several key areas.
He said roads leading to sports facilities and improvements at training venues are nearing completion, assuring that the country is on track to meet required standards.
“The implementation of key infrastructure projects is progressing steadily. We are confident Tanzania will be ready to host AFCON 2027 at the required level,” said Tamba.
The Permanent Secretaries’ Committee continues its inspection tour of AFCON 2027 projects. After completing visits in Dar es Salaam, the team is expected to proceed to Zanzibar and later Arusha, where additional facilities are also being developed.
The Government has maintained that AFCON 2027 is a national project with long-term benefits expected to go beyond football, particularly in boosting tourism, investment, infrastructure development, and Tanzania’s global visibility.
