Tanzania is stepping up preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with tourism infrastructure at Lake Duluti Nature Forest Reserve in Arusha reported to be 95 percent complete.
Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Ashatu Kijaji announced the progress on October 24, 2026, during a visit to inspect tourism facilities and ongoing construction at the reserve.
Tanzania will co-host AFCON 2027 with Kenya and Uganda, with Arusha among the cities expected to play a role in the continental football tournament.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism is responsible for coordinating accommodation and food services for visitors, while ensuring tourists receive quality hospitality during the competition.
Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) is also preparing to use the tournament as an opportunity to attract more visitors and increase tourism revenue at Lake Duluti.
Deputy Conservation Commissioner for Administration Emmanuel Kiboko, who represented the Conservation Commissioner, said TFS and its partners had invested in 20 cottages and executive tents to increase the reserve’s accommodation capacity.
He said the facilities are intended to improve services for tourists and generate revenue both during AFCON 2027 and after the tournament.
During her visit, Kijaji inspected the accommodation facilities and recreational infrastructure. She stressed that the facilities should be accessible to people with disabilities and meet the needs of visitors requiring special assistance.
The minister also encouraged Tanzanians and other investors to take advantage of tourism investment opportunities in forest reserves, noting that Lake Duluti is among the areas with potential for further development.
Arumeru District Commissioner Neema Lugangira accompanied the minister during the inspection.
The ongoing improvements at Lake Duluti are part of efforts to strengthen tourism services and prepare for the expected increase in visitors during AFCON 2027.