Tanzania is stepping up preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with the country’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) focusing on ensuring the tournament delivers lasting economic and social benefits beyond football.
The LOC met in Dar es Salaam on Friday, August 28, 2026, to assess preparations, including the development of key sporting infrastructure and strategies to use the continental tournament to promote Tanzania as a tourism and investment destination.
At the meeting held at Johari Rotana Hotel, the Infrastructure Committee presented an update on the upgrading of Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and the construction of new stadiums in Arusha and Fumba, Zanzibar.
The committee also reviewed progress on the construction and improvement of training grounds that will be used by teams participating in the tournament.
The Legal and Marketing Committee, meanwhile, presented strategies aimed at leveraging AFCON 2027 to showcase Tanzania and Zanzibar’s tourism attractions to an international audience.
The initiative is expected to give the country an opportunity to strengthen its global image while positioning tourism as one of the major beneficiaries of the tournament.
Speaking during the meeting, LOC chairman Leodgar Tenga challenged members of the various committees to deliver on their responsibilities efficiently, stressing that Tanzania should emerge from the tournament with tangible and lasting benefits.
He said the success of AFCON 2027 should be viewed beyond the organisation of matches, with the tournament providing an opportunity to create jobs, stimulate businesses and strengthen infrastructure.
“We must ensure that AFCON 2027 becomes a platform that delivers meaningful and lasting benefits to Tanzanians,” Mr Tenga said.
AFCON 2027 will be jointly hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027.
For Tanzania, preparations include improvements to sports facilities, roads, airports and other infrastructure expected to support the movement of players, officials, supporters and tourists.
The tournament is also expected to provide opportunities for businesses across sectors including hospitality, transport, tourism, entertainment and retail.
The LOC’s approach reflects a broader ambition to turn AFCON 2027 into an economic opportunity, with the government and stakeholders seeking to ensure investments made ahead of the tournament continue to benefit the country after the competition ends.
As preparations gather pace, attention is increasingly shifting from simply hosting the tournament to determining how Tanzania can convert the continental spotlight into long-term gains in tourism, employment, business and infrastructure.