DAR ES SALAAM: THE government is accelerating preparations for the eagerly awaited Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, with a sharp focus on sports infrastructure, youth development and cross-sector collaboration.
Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba made this announcement yesterday during a meeting with the National Committee for AFCON 2027 preparations in Dar es Salaam, where progress on the country’s readiness for the prestigious continental tournament was reviewed. The tournament will be co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda in 2027.
“The significant progress we’ve made so far underscores the government’s steadfast commitment to making Tanzania an exceptional host for AFCON,” Prime Minister Nchemba said.
“Our goal is not just to organise a world-class tournament, but to leave a lasting legacy that continues to benefit our nation long after the final whistle,” he added.
The Prime Minister also highlighted that the impact of AFCON extends far beyond football.
“This tournament represents a tremendous opportunity for economic growth, tourism and national pride. From hotels and transport services to local businesses, Tanzania stands to gain immensely. Our citizens will take immense pride in seeing our country showcased on such a monumental stage,” Nchemba said.
He further emphasised that thorough preparation is essential to unlocking these opportunities and ensuring longterm benefits.
“This is about much more than sports,” he continued. “AFCON 2027 will create jobs, attract investment and fuel development that will reverberate throughout the country for years to come.” Tanzania’s commitment to sports development is demonstrated through its close collaboration with various institutions to secure broad-based support.
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“We are not only focusing on upgrading stadiums and infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for the future of sports in Tanzania,” Nchemba explained.
He concluded, “This is a national undertaking that requires cooperation between government agencies, local authorities and the private sector. When all sectors unite, Tanzania will not only host a seamless tournament, but also ensure lasting benefits for the people.”
The AFCON 2027 or CAN 2027 will be the 36th edition of the tournament, organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The event will take place from June 19 to July 18, 2027. This edition will be the first ever to be co-hosted by three countries, and the first in five decades to be held in the CECAFA (East and Central Africa) region, since Ethiopia hosted it in 1976.
Additionally, this event will mark the 70th anniversary of the Africa Cup of Nations. It will also be the final AFCON held in odd-numbered years, as CAF announced in December 2025 that from 2028, the tournament will become a quadrennial event.