Kariakoo traders are looking beyond the commercial opportunities of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with their biggest wish being to see Tanzania’s national football team, Taifa Stars, lift the continental trophy on home soil.
Kariakoo Traders Association spokesperson Hendry Kanje said the business community has high hopes for the tournament and is praying for Taifa Stars to deliver a historic triumph when Tanzania co-hosts AFCON 2027.
Mr Kanje said winning the tournament would be a major achievement for Tanzania, strengthening the country’s reputation in African football while giving millions of supporters a moment of national pride.
“Our first wish is for our national team to win and lift the AFCON 2027 trophy,” he said.
He said the tournament would also create a lasting economic legacy for Kariakoo, one of Tanzania’s busiest commercial centres, as an expected increase in visitors and football fans drives demand for goods and services.
“Another legacy we want to see is the growth of Tanzania’s major football clubs, which are based here in Kariakoo, including Jangwani and Msimbazi. The money that will be spent buying goods in Kariakoo during AFCON 2027 is something we will remember for a long time,” Mr Kanje said.
Beyond sales, he said traders have a responsibility to ensure that visitors experience the best of Tanzania’s famous hospitality.
He urged businesses in Kariakoo to prepare early by improving customer service, ensuring quality products and creating a welcoming environment for domestic and international visitors.
“We want visitors who come to Kariakoo to see that this is a truly international market. We want them to explore different parts of the market, not just one area. We are asking our fellow traders to prepare well to serve visitors and maintain the hospitality that has become part of our culture,” he said.
Mr Kanje said AFCON 2027 could provide a significant boost to small and medium-sized businesses, particularly if traders take advantage of increased demand from supporters, tourists and other visitors expected during the tournament.
He said the tournament should therefore be viewed as an opportunity to promote Tanzania not only through football but also through trade, culture and entrepreneurship.
For Kariakoo traders, the ambition is clear: Tanzania should host a successful AFCON, businesses should benefit from the increased economic activity, and Taifa Stars should crown the occasion by keeping the trophy at home.
