The construction of the new AFCON Stadium in Fumba is expected to open up fresh economic opportunities for Zanzibar residents by boosting business, tourism and service activities, President Hussein Ali Mwinyi has said.
President Mwinyi said the 36,500-seat facility would be more than a football venue, with its completion expected to stimulate economic activity in surrounding areas, particularly as Zanzibar prepares to benefit from increased visitor numbers during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
He made the remarks on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, after inspecting the progress of the stadium and Fumba Port in the Urban West Region.
“The completion of the stadium will place Zanzibar in a better position to benefit from business, services and other economic opportunities arising from increased visitor numbers,” Dr Mwinyi said.
The President said the government was also focusing on supporting infrastructure around the stadium to ensure the facility and its surrounding areas meet international standards and deliver long-term economic benefits.
Construction of the stadium has reached about 80 per cent, with work continuing on several supporting facilities, including a modern road expected to improve access to the area and enhance connectivity.
The development comes as Zanzibar prepares for AFCON 2027, which is expected to attract football fans, officials, tourists and other visitors, creating potential demand for accommodation, transport, food, retail and other services.
For local businesses, the expected increase in visitors could provide an opportunity to expand their customer base, particularly if residents are supported to participate in the supply of goods and services linked to major sporting events.
President Mwinyi also said the government was constructing sports facilities in different parts of Zanzibar as part of efforts to develop young people's sporting talent and give them opportunities to compete at national and international levels.
He commended Orkun Company for implementing the stadium project with emphasis on quality and international standards, saying the facility had been designed to host sporting and community activities.
In addition to the main 36,500-capacity stadium, the project includes two outdoor pitches, each with a seating capacity of 5,000 spectators.
The main stadium is scheduled for completion by the end of December 2026, making it a key component of Zanzibar's preparations for AFCON 2027.
The project is also expected to increase the commercial value of Fumba by attracting investment and supporting businesses in tourism, hospitality, transport, retail and other sectors.
For Zanzibar residents, the broader test will be how effectively local businesses and communities are positioned to capture the opportunities created by the new infrastructure.
