[PRESSWIRE] Arusha, Tanzania – 2026-02-06 — 4 February, 2026
Tanzania has signed 22 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with foreign partners to strengthen cooperation in sports development as it steps up preparations to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027, Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Minister Paul Makonda said.
Tanzania will co-host the continent’s flagship football tournament alongside Kenya and Uganda, marking the first time the three East African neighbours jointly stage the event.
Makonda said the agreements, concluded through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, focus on talent development, sports exchange programmes, training and capacity building for athletes, coaches and sports administrators.
“These agreements will not remain on paper,” Makonda said during an inspection tour of development projects in Arusha. He said he plans to visit partner countries to ensure Tanzania benefits fully from the cooperation.
Sports diplomacy is becoming an increasingly important tool for national development, Makonda said, particularly as Tanzania prepares to host one of Africa’s largest sporting events.
He said the partnerships are expected to strengthen technical capacity and help prepare national teams and sports institutions ahead of AFCON 2027, which is seen as a platform to showcase East Africa’s growing role in continental sports and tourism.
Beyond sports, Makonda said Tanzania is also expanding its cultural footprint internationally. He said the country will later this year host a major international Kiswahili language conference in France, with the Tanzanian government acting as the lead organiser through his ministry.
During his visit to Arusha, Makonda inspected several infrastructure projects linked to AFCON preparations, including the construction of a new stadium, a spectator stand and a modern market, which authorities say will support tournament operations and improve facilities for international visitors.
He also outlined plans for a new 10-storey Mount Meru Hospital building, which will be equipped with modern medical facilities to strengthen healthcare services in northern Tanzania, including during major international events.
AFCON 2027 is expected to draw teams, fans and investors from across the continent and beyond, with host governments banking on the tournament to accelerate infrastructure development, regional integration and global visibility.
Makonda said early preparations and international cooperation would be critical to ensuring the tournament’s success and to using sport as a driver of diplomacy, unity and economic opportunity.
– The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, marking the first time the three East African countries jointly stage the tournament.
– AFCON is the continent’s premier football competition, organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and typically attracts millions of viewers and thousands of international visitors.
– Tanzania is using the event as a catalyst for sports development, infrastructure upgrades, tourism promotion and international partnerships.
– Media Contact:Information Services Department and Office of The Chief Government Spokesman E-mail: maelezotv@gmail.comPhone: +255 754 750 765, +255 754 698 856, +255 759 714, +255 713 381 904Availability: EAT, UTC +3 ENDS
ENDS
