Government: Benjamin Mkapa Stadium ready for international matches
What you need to know:
The assurance was given today, May 17, 2025, by the Prime Minister, Kassim Majaliwa, during his official inspection of the stadium
Dar es Salaam. The government has confirmed that the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam is fully prepared to host any international football match recognized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
The assurance was given today, May 17, 2025, by the Prime Minister, Kassim Majaliwa, during his official inspection of the stadium.
The normal visit aimed to assess the current state of the facility and ensure its readiness for both local and international sporting events.
“This visit is part of a normal routine. Along with inspecting the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, we have also visited other key sporting grounds including the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana ground, Major General Isamuhyo, and the Law School of Tanzania field,” said Prime Minister Majaliwa.
He revealed that further inspections would also be carried out at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar and Gombani Stadium in Pemba.
Recent, CAF announced the relocation of the CAF Confederation Cup final—originally scheduled for Benjamin Mkapa Stadium—to New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar on May 25, 2025, citing technical reasons raised by their experts.
This unexpected decision has caused anxiety among football stakeholders in Tanzania, particularly fans who had already purchased tickets in anticipation of attending the match in Dar es Salaam.
“When we heard that Benjamin Mkapa Stadium wouldn’t be used, it was a shock,” said PM Majaliwa. “But the government doesn’t interfere with the decisions made by TFF, CAF, or FIFA. Our responsibility is to ensure that stadiums are in top condition and ready for international use.”
He affirmed that all major stadiums in the country, including Benjamin Mkapa, meet international standards and are ready to host matches at any time—whether during the day or night.
He added that contractors have completed excellent renovation work, particularly on the pitch, which is now fit for high-level international fixtures.
“The pitch is in perfect condition, and the stadium is fully equipped for both daytime and nighttime matches.
This is a result of the significant efforts made by the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi. Their vision is to see Tanzania become a central hub for sports in Africa,” Majaliwa stated.
He also took time to commend the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, as well as the National Sports Council (NSC), for their effective oversight during the stadium’s renovation. He further praised the contractors for executing the improvements to a high standard.
Accompanying Prime Minister Majaliwa on the tour were the Minister of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Palamagamba Kabudi; the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Gerson Msigwa; NSC Chairman Leodegar Tenga; and NSC Secretary General Neema Msitha.
The government’s reassurance comes as a boost to Tanzanian sports fans and athletes, affirming the country’s readiness to continue hosting prestigious international events.
