MWE Correspondent
Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has ordered contractors to accelerate the construction of training grounds that will be used during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), saying the facilities must be completed on time and meet standards set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Nchemba said construction work should be intensified, including extending working hours where necessary, to ensure the facilities are completed before CAF conducts its inspections of Tanzania’s preparations.
The Prime Minister issued the directive on Friday, August 21, 2026, after inspecting the progress of construction at Farasi and Leaders Club training grounds in Dar es Salaam.
The two facilities are among the training venues being prepared for AFCON 2027, which will be jointly hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.
Nchemba said Tanzania should not wait until the last minute to complete its preparations, stressing that CAF needs to establish well in advance that the required infrastructure is ready.
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“We need to work day and night to complete the remaining percentage. The people responsible for the tournament cannot simply take the risk that we are ready; they want to see for themselves that we are ready while there is still sufficient time,” Nchemba said.
The Prime Minister also stressed that AFCON should not be viewed solely as a sporting event, but as a major economic opportunity that Tanzania must prepare to maximise.
“This is not just about sport; there is an economy within it,” he said, urging authorities to shift their focus toward strategic preparations once the infrastructure is completed so the country can benefit from the economic opportunities associated with the tournament.
During the inspection, Nchemba also directed authorities to address complaints raised by workers involved in the construction of the facilities, particularly concerns relating to employment contracts, overtime payments and other employment benefits.
He instructed the responsible ministry, project managers and other stakeholders to ensure that workers receive their employment contracts within one week.
He further directed officials to verify salary calculations, overtime payments and other benefits in accordance with the agreements reached with the workers.
The Prime Minister’s directives come as Tanzania steps up preparations for AFCON 2027, which will mark a major regional sporting event and is expected to attract visitors, investment and increased economic activity across the three host countries.
