ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR has allocated more than 1.069tri/- to strengthen preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), positioning the tournament as a driver of economic growth, job creation and international visibility.
Presenting the government’s 8.52tri/- budget to the House of Representatives, Minister for Finance and Planning, Juma Malik Akili, said the funds will support strategic investments in sports infrastructure, transport networks, tourism facilities and social services.
“The hosting opportunity presents a rare platform for Zanzibar and Tanzania at large to showcase their potential on the global stage,” Akili said.
He noted that the government is prioritising the construction and upgrading of stadia, improvements of road networks and airports and expansion of hospitality services to meet international standards required for the continental showpiece.
According to the minister, the investments are designed not only to ensure successful hosting of the AFCON 2027 but also to leave a lasting development legacy for Zanzibar and the wider nation.
Akili further highlighted that the tournament is expected to create employment opportunities for young people, while stimulating growth in key sectors, including tourism, transport, trade and small businesses.
He said the government is committed to ensuring that the benefits of hosting the competition extend well beyond the event itself, helping position Zanzibar as a competitive destination for future international events and investment.
AFCON 2027 will be the 36th edition of Africa’s premier football tournament, organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The competition is scheduled to take place from June to July 2027 and will be jointly hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.
The tournament will make history as the first AFCON to be hosted by three countries simultaneously and the first to be staged in the East and Central African region in more than five decades, since Ethiopia hosted the competition in 1976.
The event also coincides with the 70th anniversary of the Africa Cup of Nations, adding further significance to what is expected to be a landmar