By Our Correspondent | Zanzibar
The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (SMZ) is positioning the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as a catalyst for economic growth through major investments in sports infrastructure and related development projects aimed at maximizing the tournament's long-term benefits.
This was revealed on July 2, 2026, by the Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office (Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities) and Chairperson of the National Permanent Secretaries Committee for AFCON 2027 Preparations, Dr. Jim Yonazi, during an inspection tour of key sports facilities in Zanzibar.
Leading the committee, Dr. Yonazi visited the Fumba Stadium, currently under construction in the Urban West Region, and the New Amaan Complex, expressing satisfaction with the progress made. He noted that construction and renovation works are advancing steadily, including the development of supporting infrastructure to ensure the venues fully comply with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards before the tournament kicks off.
Speaking on Tanzania's preparations, Dr. Yonazi said the government has developed a comprehensive strategy that includes the construction and rehabilitation of sports facilities, upgrading road infrastructure, strengthening security, and promoting the country's tourism attractions globally.
He said the strategy is designed not only to successfully host AFCON 2027 but also to maximize the tournament's economic impact by stimulating tourism, creating employment opportunities, attracting investment, promoting youth football development, and strengthening Tanzania's sports diplomacy.
"The committee continues to coordinate preparations for AFCON 2027 to assess the progress of stadium construction and rehabilitation, recognizing the strategic importance of this tournament to our nation. We have invested significant effort because this is not just a football competition—it is a major platform to showcase Tanzania and its unique attractions to the world," Dr. Yonazi said.
He added that renovations at the New Amaan Complex include improvements to the playing surface, seating capacity, and floodlighting to meet CAF requirements. The committee also inspected progress on the state-of-the-art Zanzibar Arena project in Fumba, which is expected to accommodate thousands of spectators and serve as one of the tournament's flagship venues.
Dr. Yonazi emphasized that the inspection reflects the Government's commitment to ensuring all critical sports infrastructure is completed to CAF standards ahead of the historic continental championship scheduled for 2027.
He further called on the private sector to seize emerging investment opportunities in tourism, hospitality, accommodation, cultural industries, and other services expected to benefit from the tournament.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Second Vice President of Zanzibar, Salhina Mwita, thanked the committee for its visit and outlined the Zanzibar Government's ongoing efforts to renovate additional stadiums that will serve as training venues for participating national teams.
"We are encouraged by the committee's visit and reaffirm our commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure AFCON 2027 is successfully hosted and leaves a lasting legacy for Zanzibar and Tanzania as a whole," Mwita said.
This was revealed on July 2, 2026, by the Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office (Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities) and Chairperson of the National Permanent Secretaries Committee for AFCON 2027 Preparations, Dr. Jim Yonazi, during an inspection tour of key sports facilities in Zanzibar.
Leading the committee, Dr. Yonazi visited the Fumba Stadium, currently under construction in the Urban West Region, and the New Amaan Complex, expressing satisfaction with the progress made. He noted that construction and renovation works are advancing steadily, including the development of supporting infrastructure to ensure the venues fully comply with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards before the tournament kicks off.
Speaking on Tanzania's preparations, Dr. Yonazi said the government has developed a comprehensive strategy that includes the construction and rehabilitation of sports facilities, upgrading road infrastructure, strengthening security, and promoting the country's tourism attractions globally.
He said the strategy is designed not only to successfully host AFCON 2027 but also to maximize the tournament's economic impact by stimulating tourism, creating employment opportunities, attracting investment, promoting youth football development, and strengthening Tanzania's sports diplomacy.
"The committee continues to coordinate preparations for AFCON 2027 to assess the progress of stadium construction and rehabilitation, recognizing the strategic importance of this tournament to our nation. We have invested significant effort because this is not just a football competition—it is a major platform to showcase Tanzania and its unique attractions to the world," Dr. Yonazi said.
He added that renovations at the New Amaan Complex include improvements to the playing surface, seating capacity, and floodlighting to meet CAF requirements. The committee also inspected progress on the state-of-the-art Zanzibar Arena project in Fumba, which is expected to accommodate thousands of spectators and serve as one of the tournament's flagship venues.
Dr. Yonazi emphasized that the inspection reflects the Government's commitment to ensuring all critical sports infrastructure is completed to CAF standards ahead of the historic continental championship scheduled for 2027.
He further called on the private sector to seize emerging investment opportunities in tourism, hospitality, accommodation, cultural industries, and other services expected to benefit from the tournament.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Second Vice President of Zanzibar, Salhina Mwita, thanked the committee for its visit and outlined the Zanzibar Government's ongoing efforts to renovate additional stadiums that will serve as training venues for participating national teams.
"We are encouraged by the committee's visit and reaffirm our commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure AFCON 2027 is successfully hosted and leaves a lasting legacy for Zanzibar and Tanzania as a whole," Mwita said.
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