Tanzania urges unlisted regions to develop sports stadia ahead of 2027 AFCON

DODOMA: THE government has instructed regions not yet included in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) stadia construction programme to begin planning their own sports infrastructure projects.

The directive aims to support the development of modern sports stadiums across the country and in addition, local government authorities have been directed to allocate funds in their budgets specifically for sports field construction.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote physical health and well-being through improved sports facilities.

The Deputy Minister of Culture, Arts and Sports, Hamis Mwinjuma, so addressed the Parliament yesterday, in response to a query from a Member of Parliament, Jacquiline Kainja, regarding the government’s plans for sports fields at district levels.

Responding to the question, Mwinjuma emphasised that building sports infrastructure is a shared responsibility between the government and various stakeholders, including institutions, organisations, individuals, and local authorities.

To ensure comprehensive cover age, Mwinjuma announced that the Government will soon instruct local authorities to include sports field construction in their budgets.

He cited several examples where councils have already made progress, including Kinondoni District Council (KMC Stadium), Bukoba Municipality (Kaitaba Stadium), Nyamagana (Nyamagana Stadium), and Namungo (Majaliwa Stadium).

“The Wanging’ombe Council is also developing a Sports Village with facilities for football, volleyball, netball, and basketball,” Mwinjuma noted.

He also mentioned that the Sengerema Council in Geita region has submitted a proposal for a new sports centre.

Furthermore, the deputy minister highlighted ongoing government’s projects, including major renovations of the Uhuru and Benjamin Mkapa stadia, construction of Arusha Stadium, and the renovation of five training fields in preparation for the CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027 tournaments.

ALSO READ: Tanzania readies for AFCON 2027

Mwinjuma urged councils, districts, and regions not yet involved in the AFCON 2027 projects to support the Government’s efforts by investing in modern sports fields.

“This will not only enhance sports infrastructure but also provide new revenue sources for these areas,” he emphasised.