ARUSHA: CONSTRUCTION of the Samia Stadium in Arusha has reached 70 per cent completion, with regional authorities expressing strong confidence that the landmark facility will be finalised by July 2026.
Arusha Regional Commissioner Amos Makalla announced that the project remains on schedule, reaffirming the government’s commitment to delivering a modern, high-standard sports complex capable of serving both regional and national needs.
Makalla made the remarks during an official working tour of the region by Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba, who visited the construction site to assess progress firsthand.
“Construction has now reached 70 per cent, and we are confident the stadium will be completed by July this year,” Makalla stressed.
Named in honour of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the Samia Stadium is poised to transform Arusha’s sporting landscape. The state-of-the-art venue is designed to host major national and international competitions, positioning the region as a rising hub for sports excellence.
Beyond athletics, the stadium is expected to generate wide-ranging economic benefits, including job creation, sports tourism and new opportunities for local businesses.
Regional authorities emphasise that the facility is being developed to meet modern international standards, featuring expanded seating capacity, a high-quality playing surface, and essential amenities for players, officials, media and spectators.
Makalla noted that the government is closely supervising the project to ensure timely delivery without compromising quality. As construction enters its final phase, anticipation is building among sports enthusiasts who view the stadium as a powerful catalyst for nurturing local talent and elevating Arusha’s competitive profile.
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Meanwhile, Arusha City has declared itself fully prepared to play a central role in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals, one of the continent’s most prestigious football tournaments.
City officials, working in collaboration with regional sports authorities and key stakeholders, say preparations are well underway to meet all hosting requirements.
The announcement has sparked growing excitement among local fans and across Tanzania’s football community. Leaders cite Arusha’s strategic location, expanding infrastructure and strong hospitality sector as key advantages in accommodating teams, officials, media, and thousands of supporters from across Africa and beyond.
“We are ready to showcase Arusha at its best. Our facilities, transport systems and support services have been upgraded to meet international standards,” said a senior city official.
Major upgrades include improved road networks linking the stadium to hotels, strengthened security systems and expanded accommodation capacity. Stadium facilities are also undergoing final enhancements to comply with Confederation of African Football (CAF) guidelines, in coordination with the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF).
The upcoming AFCON finals are projected to deliver significant economic impact across Arusha and neighbouring areas. Tourism operators, hoteliers, restaurateurs and local vendors are preparing to welcome an influx of visitors eager to experience both elite football and Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage.
“This is more than a football tournament, it is an opportunity to showcase Tanzania’s hospitality and Arusha’s vibrant culture to the world,” said a representative of the Arusha Tourism Board.
Across the city, football fans have embraced the momentum with pride, organising community events and youth programmes aimed at inspiring the next generation of players. As the countdown to AFCON 2027 continues, Arusha stands confident and ready with a nearly completed stadium and a united community determined to deliver a memorable continental spectacle.