ARUSHA: MEMBERS of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) have commended the Sixth-Phase Government, led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, for investing in the construction of a modern stadium in Arusha, which is expected to support preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The lawmakers made the remarks during a visit to the stadium construction site in Arusha, where they inspected the project and discussed its potential to promote sports, tourism and economic growth in Tanzania and across the East African region.
Speaking on behalf of his fellow legislators, EALA Member of Parliament Cosato Chumi described the stadium project as a major achievement demonstrating Tanzania’s capacity to implement large-scale strategic projects when national commitment and resources are directed towards clear objectives.
“This is truly a major achievement, not a small one. It proves that when Tanzanians make up their minds, we can achieve great things,” Chumi said.
He said preparations for AFCON present Tanzania with an important opportunity to strengthen its sports infrastructure and establish the conditions needed to continue hosting major sporting events long after the tournament concludes.
Chumi emphasised that the stadium should not be used exclusively for AFCON but should become a permanent venue for international matches, club competitions and other major sporting events capable of attracting teams and fans from different countries.
He urged sports stakeholders to begin planning early for the effective use of the facility, including organising club tournaments involving teams from East and Central Africa and inviting leading African clubs to participate.
Among the clubs he proposed inviting were Kenya’s Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs, and Uganda’s Vipers and URA. Such clubs could participate in friendly matches and competitions designed to strengthen football competition across the region.
According to Chumi, these initiatives would give Tanzanian clubs opportunities to test their abilities against teams with greater international competition experience, while helping improve players’ standards and raise the overall quality of domestic football.
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He also said the stadium could become a catalyst for sports tourism in Arusha by attracting visitors, football fans and other stakeholders who would use local tourism and commercial services during sporting events.
An increase in visitors, he noted, would create economic opportunities for traders and providers of accommodation, transport, restaurant services and small businesses. Young people could also benefit from employment opportunities in sports-related sectors.
Chumi called on the government, legislators, sports associations and the private sector to work together to develop strategies that would ensure the stadium is used effectively and continues delivering national benefits for many years.
He stressed that stakeholders should start planning international competitions to be held after AFCON rather than waiting until the tournament ends before considering alternative uses for the facility.
He added that investment in sports infrastructure provides an opportunity to nurture young talent and strengthen Tanzania’s position in hosting and participating in major international competitions.
The stadium is part of Tanzania’s preparations to co-host AFCON 2027 alongside Kenya and Uganda. The tournament is expected to strengthen regional cooperation and raise East Africa’s profile in African football.
Sports stakeholders are expected to benefit from the infrastructure through tournament preparations, training programmes and other sports-related activities. Its long-term use will be crucial to ensuring that the investment continues to deliver positive results beyond AFCON.
The EALA legislators’ visit highlights the importance of regional cooperation in developing sports and identifying opportunities arising from infrastructure investment, particularly in strengthening football, tourism and economic activity across East Africa.
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