Tanzania is already preparing for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with the construction of a state-of-the-art stadium valued at $112 million (Sh14 billion).
The cost translates to more than Tsh 280 billion.
The 30,000-seat stadium, named in honour of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, is expected to transform the sports and tourism landscape of Arusha.
It is currently under construction in the Olomoti area and will serve as one of Tanzania’s key venues for the 2027 AFCON, which is scheduled to take place in June and July.
This tournament will be historic, as it will be the first AFCON co-hosted by three nations and the first to return to the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) region since Ethiopia last hosted in 1976.
The stadium’s design is inspired by two of Tanzania’s most iconic symbols: Tanzanite gemstones and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Keep Reading
These elements are incorporated into the architecture, giving the venue a modern yet uniquely Tanzanian identity.
Beyond its striking aesthetics, the facility is designed to meet the highest international standards, fully compliant with both CAF and FIFA regulations, to provide a world-class experience for players and fans alike.
The project was awarded to China Railway Construction Engineering Group (CRCEG), a subsidiary of China Railway Group Limited.
Announcing the development last year, Tanzania’s Culture, Arts and Sports Minister, Damas Ndumbaro, described it as the most modern stadium in East Africa.
He added that, besides hosting domestic and international matches, the facility will also stage athletics events, trade fairs, and other major activities, significantly boosting tourism and economic growth in the country.
This comes even as a war of words erupted after Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy took a cheeky swipe at Taifa Stars following Kenya’s narrow 1-0 victory over Zambia.
“Tanzania will get their wish and they will experience what we experienced in the group of death. Now Morocco is going to Tanzania so (thumbs up). I want feedback after the Morocco game so that they know what we went through every game in this tournament, so good luck to Tanzania in the next round,” McCarthy quipped.
Not one to let it slide, Yanga SC’s fiery spokesperson Ali Kamwe clapped back, dismissing Kenya’s coach with trademark bravado:
“Nimeona jana Kocha wa Kenya akisema, Tanzania tutaona walichokutana nacho kwenye kundi la Kifo…. Lile kundi la kifo lile? Sijui Angola, sijui Congo, ni kundi la kifo lile? Yeye ataona kwa Madagascar. Unatutishatisha!... Yeye ndo ataona Madagascar wanafananaje!”
Kamwe doubled down, insisting the Maghreb countries are the true underdogs and that facing them is nothing to fear.