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From pitches to profits: CHAN 2024 to boost Tanzania's economy
What you need to know:
- The tournament, which features national teams composed exclusively of players based in their home countries, kicks off in August 2 and will bring 19 teams to Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda the joint hosts
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is poised to reap significant economic benefits from hosting matches in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), with hotels, transport operators and tourism stakeholders preparing to capitalise on the expected influx of visitors.
The tournament, which features national teams composed exclusively of players based in their home countries, kicks off in August 2 and will bring 19 teams to Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda the joint hosts.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has assigned Tanzania to host matches in Group B and Group D.
Group B includes Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso and the Central African Republic.
Group D comprises Senegal, Congo, Sudan and Nigeria, with their matches scheduled to be played in Zanzibar.
In addition to the group stage fixtures, Tanzania will host the opening match in the Benjamin Mkapa stadium and also host two quarter-final matches and one semi-final at the Benjamin Mkapa and Amaan stadiums.
This is expected to draw thousands of fans, officials, and media professionals to Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.
With just weeks to go before the tournament begins, hotels in both locations are already seeing a rise in bookings.
Mid-range and luxury hotels are preparing for a busy season, anticipating business from teams, officials, and travelling fans.
Operators in the transport sector, ranging from taxi services and ride-hailing platforms to car hire agencies, are gearing up for increased demand.
Additional services are expected to be deployed at airports and around stadiums, particularly in Dar es Salaam.
An economist at Ardhi University, Dr Aziz Rashid, said the CHAN tournament will inject temporary but substantial economic activity into local economies.
“Events like this stimulate demand in multiple sectors. From accommodation and transport to restaurants, entertainment, and even local street vendors. Many people stand to benefit,” he said.
Stakeholders in the tourism industry also see CHAN as a valuable opportunity to promote Tanzania’s attractions.
Tour operators have begun preparing tailored packages to entice visitors to extend their stay and explore destinations like the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar’s historic Stone Town.
In Zanzibar, the Amaan Stadium will be the focal point of Group D matches, and local businesses anticipate increased trade from football tourism.
The JKT-run General Major Isamuhyo Stadium in Dar es Salaam is one of the three training venues and is expected to serve as a showcase for nearby attractions such as Mbweni Zoo.
Chairman of the Tanzania Tour Guides Association, Wilbad Chambulo, urged the tournament organisers to work closely with tour operators.
“We are ready to engage the incoming market, but we need a clear coordination mechanism. If we know which teams are coming and where they are based, we can design tailored tourism experiences for fans and delegations,” he said.
Boost to local enterprises
Small and medium enterprises, including food vendors, local apparel makers, and event organisers, are also preparing for the increased activity.
In previous international events, merchandise sales and pop-up stalls near stadiums have proven lucrative.
According to analysts, CHAN could provide a model for how Tanzania can leverage international sporting events to boost its economy.
“What matters is how ready we are to convert this short-term attention into long-term benefits,” said Dr Rashid.
National branding and visibility
Beyond the direct economic benefits, CHAN 2024 offers Tanzania an opportunity to boost its international profile.
Matches will be broadcast live across Africa and beyond, showcasing the country’s hospitality, infrastructure, and ability to organise major events.
Government and tourism officials hope that positive exposure will encourage more visits and potentially attract other international events in sport, business, and entertainment.
With teams such as Nigeria, Senegal, and Congo coming to Tanzania, organisers are also expected to promote cultural exchange through music, food festivals, and art exhibitions.
While this will not be Tanzania’s first time hosting an international football event, the scale and visibility of CHAN 2024 present a new opportunity to connect sport, business, and national development goals.
As the clock ticks down to kick-off, stakeholders across sectors are being urged to coordinate efforts to ensure the country maximises both the short-term and long-term benefits of hosting the continental sporting event.
