Joseph Isangura
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has instructed the newly appointed Regional Commissioner of Arusha, Amos Makalla, to take charge of preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, underscoring the importance of readiness as Tanzania gears up to co-host one of the continent’s most prestigious sporting events.
Speaking at Chamwino State House in Dodoma during the swearing-in of new leaders, President Samia emphasized that hosting AFCON goes beyond sports. She said the tournament should serve as a catalyst for Arusha’s development, particularly in infrastructure, tourism, and service provision.
“The government has major development plans for Arusha City and the wider region, including infrastructure projects directly linked to the AFCON tournament. Work is already underway, and I expect you to oversee it with urgency and efficiency,” President Samia said in her directive to Commissioner Makalla.
She also called on citizens to embrace the opportunities the tournament will bring, particularly in tourism, small businesses, and hospitality services. “This is a national project, and I encourage everyone to prepare to benefit from it,” she added.
The 2027 AFCON will be historic as it will be the first time the tournament is jointly hosted by three countries: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Scheduled for June to July 2027, the competition will feature 24 teams across 12 venues in 10 cities, drawing global attention to East Africa.
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For Tanzania, Arusha is expected to be one of the main host cities. To meet the standards of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the government has already launched the construction of the Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium at Olomoti, a modern 30,000-seat arena inspired by the Tanzanite gemstone and Mount Kilimanjaro. The stadium, designed to be a landmark in East Africa, is scheduled for completion in 2026.
While the tournament will bring football glory, its impact is expected to extend far beyond the pitch. Hosting AFCON will accelerate road projects, hospitality investments, and improvements in public services. The government also views the event as a chance to strengthen Arusha’s role as a regional hub for tourism and international diplomacy.
Experts believe the tournament could boost Tanzania’s tourism sector significantly, given the country’s proximity to attractions such as Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the cultural heritage of Arusha itself.
