Tanzania’s Afcon 2027 dream takes shape as stadium projects progress

Dar es Salaam. With 10 months remaining before Tanzania joins Kenya and Uganda in hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, the country is entering the final phase of preparations, with major stadium, training ground and supporting infrastructure projects either completed or approaching completion.

Rather than leaving the work until the final months, Tanzania is using the remaining period to complete construction, test facilities and address technical requirements ahead of the tournament, which is scheduled to run from June 19 to July 18, 2027.

The progress provides reason for optimism. A Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspection earlier this year found Tanzania to have the most advanced structural position among the three host countries, although several venues still require technical and operational improvements before they can be declared fully compliant. The challenge now is to turn construction progress into full tournament readiness.

New Arusha Stadium project

At the centre of Tanzania's preparations is the new Arusha Stadium at Olmoti, one of the country's flagship AFCON projects.

The stadium, designed to accommodate about 30,000 spectators, has entered the advanced stages of construction. Government figures presented earlier this year put the project at 88 per cent completion, while work on a dedicated training ground within the complex had passed 60 per cent.

According to Arusha Regional Commissioner Amos Makalla, the stadium is expected to be completed by the end of August, providing authorities with valuable time for testing and final preparations before the tournament.

The project is also extending beyond the stadium itself. Roads leading to the venue are being upgraded, while surrounding infrastructure is being improved to facilitate the movement of spectators, teams and officials.

Director of Sports Development Boniface Tamba said Tanzania's preparations should be viewed as a long-term investment rather than simply a response to the demands of one tournament.

“We are not preparing only for the matches. We are preparing facilities that will remain useful to Tanzanian sport after AFCON 2027,” said Tamba.

 He said the progress gave the government confidence that the country would have the required facilities ready before the tournament.

According to Tamba, completing the projects early would allow authorities to test facilities, obtain the necessary certification and address any final observations from CAF.

“The important thing is that we have time to complete the remaining works and then test the facilities. We do not want to wait until the last minute,” he said.

Tamba also stressed the importance of training grounds, saying participating teams would need high-quality pitches and supporting facilities throughout the competition.

“Training grounds are equally important because every team that comes to Tanzania will need a proper place to train.

That is why we are improving facilities in Dar es Salaam and other host areas,” he said.

He added that the government would continue monitoring the projects to ensure contractors maintained the required standards and timelines. “Our objective is to have everything ready before AFCON comes, so that when the tournament arrives, Tanzania will be concentrating on hosting rather than completing construction,” said Tamba.

 Benjamin Mkapa refurbishment advances

In Dar es Salaam, Benjamin Mkapa Stadium remains a major pillar of Tanzania's AFCON plans. The country's biggest football stadium has undergone extensive rehabilitation aimed at bringing the facility closer to CAF's requirements.

Earlier government figures put the wider refurbishment program at about 95 per cent completion. The latest major undertaking has been the reconstruction of the playing surface.  The old pitch and its top layers were removed to make way for a new system designed to improve drainage and meet international standards.

Recent reports indicate that pitch rehabilitation had passed the 50 per cent mark by August, meaning one of the stadium's most important remaining physical projects was well underway.

CAF had previously identified several areas requiring improvement at the venue, including the playing surface, lighting, backup power, hospitality facilities, spectator movement and safety and security systems. With the tournament still more than 10 months away, authorities have an opportunity to complete the remaining technical works and conduct the necessary tests before CAF's final assessments.

The importance of the project extends beyond AFCON. A modernised Benjamin Mkapa Stadium will provide Tanzania with an upgraded national venue capable of hosting major domestic and internationalfootball events for years to come.

Fumba signals Zanzibar's ambition

Zanzibar is also making significant progress, led by the construction of Fumba Stadium, which forms part of the wider Fumba sports and tourism development.

The stadium is expected to accommodate about 36,500 spectators and is among the most ambitious sports infrastructure projects undertaken in Zanzibar. The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar is investing approximately $150 million (Sh389.2 billion) in the first phase of the Zanzibar AFCON Sports Complex. The project is being constructed by Turkey's Orkun Group.

Construction has now reached the advanced stages, with recent reports putting completion at about 81 per cent. The project is expected to be completed in December, leaving several months for testing and operational preparations.

Zanzibar Minister for Information, Arts, Culture and Sports Dr Riziki Pembe Juma said preparations in Zanzibar had reached 81 per cent, with major works expected to be completed by December.

She said the main focus was currently on Fumba Stadium, where contractors had started installing the roof, particularly around the VVIP section. “Construction of Fumba Stadium is currently at a very good stage, and we believe that by December, the stadium will have been fully completed and ready for use. Construction workers are on site, and all the required construction materials are in place,” said Dr Riziki.

The facility will also include two outdoor pitches, each capable of accommodating 5,000 spectators, while surrounding infrastructure, including training facilities and roads, is being improved.

“The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, under President Dr Hussein Mwinyi, is at a good and satisfactory stage in preparations for AFCON 2027.  Construction of the new modern Fumba Stadium has reached 81 percent and is expected to be officially completed by the end of December 2026,” said Dr Riziki.

The project reflects Zanzibar's determination to use AFCON as a springboard for broader economic and tourism development.

New Amaan Complex remains important

New Amaan Complex remains another important component of Zanzibar's preparations. The existing venue is being upgraded, particularly its playing surface, while authorities are also considering its long-term role within the AFCON venue structure.  CAF has requested a formal decision on whether New Amaan will remain a competition stadium or be used as a training facility.

If retained as a competition venue, further architectural and operational improvements will be required.

Whatever its final classification, New Amaan is expected to remain valuable to Zanzibar's training programme and football development beyond AFCON 2027.