Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila has called for improved transport, road infrastructure, sanitation and digital services as the region steps up preparations to host matches during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
He said the preparations should go beyond stadium readiness to include services that will shape the experience of football fans, players, officials and other visitors expected to travel to Tanzania for the continental tournament.
Speaking during the second regional AFCON preparatory meeting, Mr Chalamila urged stakeholders to establish digital platforms that would help visitors locate hotels, tourist attractions, entertainment venues and other essential services.
He said accessible digital information would make it easier for visitors to navigate the city, access services and explore available attractions, while also providing an opportunity to promote Dar es Salaam internationally.
“Visitors should be able to easily identify where essential services are available,” he said, stressing the importance of using technology to improve the overall experience of those attending the tournament.
On infrastructure, Mr Chalamila directed the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (Tarura) and Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) to strengthen supervision of ongoing road projects and ensure the installation of streetlights to improve the city's appearance and safety.
He also called for greater attention to environmental cleanliness, saying the region needed to maintain standards that would reflect positively on Tanzania during the international competition.
The regional commissioner further emphasised the need to educate residents and football fans about modern stadium entry systems, including international procedures for accessing match venues.
He also proposed introducing premium services on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network to cater for passengers of different social and economic backgrounds, including those seeking higher-level transport services.
Presenting the region's preparations, AFCON regional subcommittee chairperson Adrophina Ndyeikiza said progress was being made in several areas, including public awareness campaigns, healthcare services, digital platforms, training facilities, food services, entertainment venues and environmental management.
She also highlighted the development of a regional office application as part of efforts to improve access to information and services.
Contributing to the meeting, Ilala District Commissioner Edward Mpogolo, Temeke District Commissioner Sixtus Mapunda and Kinondoni Municipal Mayor Songoro Mnyonge called for stronger public education on modern stadium entry procedures and improvements in public transport to accommodate the expected increase in visitors.
The meeting brought together the Dar es Salaam Regional Administrative Secretary, district commissioners, council directors, district administrative secretaries, municipal mayors, religious leaders and representatives of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), Tanroads, Tarura, UDART, Dawasa and Tanesco, alongside private-sector stakeholders.
The discussions highlighted the need for coordinated preparations across public institutions and the private sector to ensure Dar es Salaam can provide reliable services and a welcoming environment for visitors during AFCON 2027.