Hassan Magulumali
Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila has called on experts and stakeholders involved in preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to establish a visitor-friendly environment supported by digital systems that will make it easier for visitors to access essential services.
Chalamila made the call while chairing the second regional preparatory meeting in Dar es Salaam, emphasising the need for coordinated preparations ahead of the continental football tournament, which Tanzania will co-host in 2027.
He said digital platforms would help visitors arriving in the country identify important services, including hotels, tourist attractions, transport facilities and other essential amenities.
He added that such systems would also provide an opportunity to promote Dar es Salaam’s tourism attractions and strengthen the region’s international visibility during the competition.
The Regional Commissioner also directed the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) and Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) to strengthen supervision of ongoing road construction projects and ensure the installation of adequate street lighting to improve safety and the general urban environment.
He further emphasised the importance of maintaining environmental cleanliness and educating residents about international stadium entry systems to ensure smooth access for football supporters and other visitors.
On public transport, Chalamila highlighted the need to introduce Very Important Person (VIP) services on rapid transit buses to accommodate passengers from different social and professional backgrounds.
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Presenting the regional AFCON preparations report, the Chairperson of the Dar es Salaam Regional AFCON Subcommittee, Adrophina Ndyeikiza, assured the Regional Commissioner that preparations were progressing well.
She highlighted several areas of progress, including public awareness campaigns, improvements in healthcare services, the availability of a regional office application, upgrading of training grounds, food services, entertainment facilities and environmental cleanliness.
Meanwhile, Ilala District Commissioner Edward Mpogolo, Temeke District Commissioner Sixtus Mapunda and Kinondoni Municipal Mayor Songoro Mnyonge were among participants who called for increased public education on modern stadium access and ticketing systems, alongside improvements in public transport.
The meeting brought together regional and district administrative leaders, municipal directors, mayors, religious leaders and representatives from key institutions, including the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), TANROADS, TARURA, UDART, DAWASA and TANESCO, as well as private-sector stakeholders.
The discussions form part of Dar es Salaam’s preparations to improve infrastructure, public services, transport and visitor experiences ahead of AFCON 2027, as Tanzania works with its co-hosts to deliver the continental tournament.
