Construction of a modern football stadium in Arusha commenced with the laying of the foundation stone at the end of April. This ambitious project is paving the way for hosting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027, which will take place across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. What do we know about this investment?

Most advanced stadium in region

The construction of the stadium is being undertaken by the China Railway Construction Engineering Group (CRCEG). The company has been operating in Arusha for nearly 20 years, completing over 10 major projects during this time. The project was initiated through an agreement signed between CRCEG and the Tanzanian Ministry on March 19. This initiative aims to improve conditions in the area, not only in terms of football but also socially.

During the official signing of the stadium construction agreement, Minister of Culture, Arts, and Sports Damas Ndumbaro provided insights into the project. The stadium, to be built on a 14.57-hectare site, will meet the standards set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA. It will have a capacity of 30,000 seats and will be the most modern stadium in the East African countries. The facility will include event spaces, a museum, and offices, ensuring it remains open to the community beyond match days. The $286 billion stadium is slated for completion by 2026 and will be named after the incumbent President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Beyond Arusha

AFCON returns to East Africa for the first time since 1976 when Ethiopia hosted the event. In addition to the Arusha facility, AFCON 2027 will also feature matches at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar Es Salaam and the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar. Both venues are undergoing or have undergone preparations to meet the requirements for hosting the Africa Cup of Nations.

The modernization of Amaan Stadium was completed in December 2023, while work on the Dar Es Salaam stadium is ongoing. Currently, the entire stadium is being painted, the old track is being replaced with a new one, new sound systems are being installed to display audio messages, and new foldable seats are replacing the old ones. This marks the second phase of renovation, following the installation of new floodlights, upgrades to locker rooms, the pitch surface, media stands, VIP areas, and technical spaces in the initial phase.