How Chan 2025 shaped Tanzania’s Afcon readiness to reap economic benefits

Although the government has invested heavily in Afcon preparations, analysts stress that Chan’s lessons must be applied if Tanzania is to fully maximize, ideally 100 percent, on the continental spectacle.

The stakes are immense. Afcon is expected to attract tens of thousands of fans, investors, and tourists from across Africa and beyond, offering an opportunity to turn football into a genuine engine of economic growth.

During the June 12, 2025, national budget presentation in Dodoma, Finance Minister Mwigulu Nchemba revealed that Sh179.8 billion had been set aside for stadium construction and rehabilitation ahead of Afcon 2027.

This is part of a broader Sh1 trillion budget covering both Chan and Afcon preparations.

Two venues, Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam and Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, staged Chan fixtures, while three venues (Benjamin Mkapa, Amaan, and the under-construction Arusha Stadium) will anchor Afcon 2027.

Work on Arusha Stadium had reached 45 percent by June, with completion scheduled for April 2026 for Sh286 billion.

Government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa emphasised that Afcon extends beyond football.

“We learned a great deal from Chan, and everyone saw both successes and shortcomings. Through Chan, we proved skeptics wrong. Now Afcon gives us the chance not only to showcase football but also to highlight our heritage, landscapes, and hospitality,” he said.

Former Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) Secretary General Selestine Mwesigwa argued that the level of investment demonstrates unprecedented commitment.

“Although the costs are high, the preparation reflects seriousness. Modern stadiums will serve beyond Afcon, hosting league finals, continental ties, and international friendlies. This decentralises football and spreads economic gains to more regions,” he said.

The link between infrastructure and investment is evident. Economists say new and upgraded stadiums will anchor wider business opportunities, from hospitality to real estate, while signalling Tanzania’s readiness to host global events.

Sports economist, Dr Chrispian Haule, pointed to key economic insights from Chan 2025.

He said infrastructure spending spurred short-term employment, especially in construction and related services, showing how major tournaments drive job creation.

“Chan was a test run revealing both promise and pitfalls. Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar recorded higher bookings, restaurants thrived, and small traders benefited from fan traffic near venues. Even informal sectors, from hawkers selling flags to boda boda operators, profited,” said Dr Haule.

He added that tourism and hospitality revenues rose sharply, but warned that coordination gaps were clear.

In Zanzibar, fans complained about ferry congestion and inflated fares.

“That’s a warning. If similar challenges occur during Afcon, when numbers will triple, the positive narrative could be undermined,” he cautioned.

Chan also revealed the strong purchasing power of Tanzanian fans, even at games not involving the national team.

Experts suggest this enthusiasm should be channelled into wider economic activity, including merchandise sales, media subscriptions, and cultural experiences beyond football.

The Tanzania Tourism Sector Safety and Protection (TTSSP), led by Executive Secretary, Dr Majaliwa Maswila, is designing strategies linking football with culture and tourism.

“Our preparations go beyond stadiums. We are developing packages connecting fans to Maasai cultural tours in Arusha, Swahili heritage sites in Bagamoyo, Kilwa, and Tanga, and eco-adventures in the Southern Highlands. Each match will be complemented by cultural showcases, cuisine, storytelling, and art exhibitions,” he said.

This builds on Chan, where Stone Town tours, spice farm visits, and craft markets in Zanzibar reported stronger sales. If scaled effectively, Afcon could multiply such benefits across the economy.

However, concerns remain over sustainability. Former athletics star Suleiman Nyambui warned that Tanzania risks prioritising events at the expense of long-term legacies.

“Budgets are skewed towards the tournaments themselves. What happens to grassroots sports after visitors leave? Without tackling this, we risk glamorous events but no enduring sporting culture,” he said.

Others, like the chairperson of the Netball Association of Tanzania, Dr Devotha Marwa, are more optimistic.

She argued that investments in stadiums and hospitality can deliver long-term benefits for other sports and industries.

“After Afcon, these stadiums won’t disappear. They can host athletics, rugby, concerts, and conferences. That is where the multiplier effect lies,” she said.

For his part, Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) Chairman, Mr Willy Chambulo, noted that Chan 2025 preparations exposed gaps.

He said a digital one-stop centre should have been developed to help international visitors plan their stay.

Such a platform could provide details on hotels, from budget to luxury, restaurants, and transport.

“This would help visitors plan their trip with ease. It is difficult for someone arriving as a foreigner without access to vital information or knowing what to expect,” explained Mr Chambulo.

He added that Tanzania must establish such a system to maximise Afcon 2027’s gains.

Yet Chan also exposed inclusivity concerns. While some traders benefited, others felt excluded by larger operators.

Analysts recommend structured fan zones, vendor permits, and fair trading spaces to ensure women, youth, and small businesses share in Afcon opportunities.

With Afcon 2027 set for June 19 to July 18, time is short. Economic analyst, Dr Nuru Mohamed, underscored readiness, inclusivity, and legacy as the key pillars heading into the tournament.

“Readiness means completing stadiums and transport links on time. Inclusivity means ensuring benefits reach small businesses, youth, and women. Legacy means making Afcon the foundation of a sports-tourism economy, not just a one-off celebration,” he said.

“Chan brought excitement but also revealed gaps in transport and coordination. With political will, strategic partnerships, and community participation, Tanzania can turn Afcon 2027 into an economic game-changer,” added Dr Mohamed.