The Confederation of African Football (CAF) had officially announced that Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda will jointly host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027. This groundbreaking decision, revealed by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, marks a defining moment for East African football and the region’s place on the global sports stage.
This will be the first time in history that AFCON is hosted across three nations and the first time in 51 years that East Africa welcomes Africa’s most prestigious football competition, following Ethiopia’s hosting in 1976. AFCON will take place from June 19, 2027, to July 18, 2027
For countries hosting AFCO 2027, this is an opportunity to showcase their destinations leading up to the event. The Tanzania Tourism Sector Safety and Protection (TTSSP) took a significant step today, announcing to the world that AFCO 2027 is more than a meeting – it is a call to action to promote and enhance mainland Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage strategically.
“While our nation is globally celebrated for its magnificent wildlife, our true strength lies in the vibrant cultures, ancient history, and welcoming communities of the mainland. With the AFCON 2027 tournament just around the corner, Arusha is set to become a global stage. This presents an unprecedented opportunity to showcase the soul of mainland Tanzania to thousands of fans and visitors. Your participation is not just welcome—it is essential to our collective success,” Dr. Majaliwa Maswila, the Executive Secretary for Tanzania Tourism Sector for Safety & Protection (TTSSP) explained.
Stakeholders in Tanzania TTSSP want to unite the country.
Dr. Majaliwa Maswila says: “This event is designed to be a dynamic, hands-on workshop where we will unite the expertise of tourism professionals with the enthusiasm of our guests. We will be inviting AFCON 2027 clients and visitors in Arusha to join us, giving you a direct platform to engage with them and transform their football trip into a cultural adventure.”
- For Tourism Stakeholders, it means:
- Meet Market Demand: Understand what today’s tourists, especially those coming for significant events like AFCON, are looking for—authentic, immersive cultural experiences.
- Streamline Operations: Gain insight into the requirements for running a compliant business, including licensing, tax regulations, and service standards, ensuring you’re ready for the influx of visitors.
- Build Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with other operators, government agencies, and communities to develop unified tour packages that enhance a visitor’s experience and create new revenue streams.
2. For Clients, Tourists, and Football Fans:
- Unforgettable Experiences: Discover how to go beyond the stadium and get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the true heart of Tanzania.
- Ethical and Authentic Travel: Learn how your journey can directly support local communities and cultural preservation by engaging with certified tour operators and community-based projects.
- Seamless Travel: Find out about the latest visa and travel requirements, ensuring a smooth and stress-free trip from arrival to departure.
3 . For Investors, Government, and Local Communities:
- Economic Growth: Attract new investment and increase foreign exchange earnings by showcasing a diversified tourism sector. This will lead to job creation and a boost to the GDP.
- Cultural Preservation: By celebrating and showcasing our cultural heritage, we ensure that our traditions and historical sites are protected for future generations.
- Enhanced Global Profile: We’ll leverage the international spotlight of AFCON 2027 to position Tanzania as a premier destination for both sports and culture, attracting more visitors and future investment.
Key Activities in Tanzania for AFCON 2027
The focus will be on creating a unified, multi-regional strategy to ensure every corner of mainland Tanzania benefits from this global event. Dr. Maswila lays it all out:
- Northern Zone (Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Manyara): We’ll develop cultural safaris that blend wildlife with authentic experiences, such as Maasai and Hadzabe cultural tours. We will also promote day hikes and cultural tours of the Chagga and Meru people on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru. We’ll highlight unique local activities like traditional banana beer brewing and visits to the historical Mto wa Mbu village, which is home to over 120 tribes.
- Coastal Zone (Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Lindi, Mtwara): We will promote our Swahili heritage through historical tours of Bagamoyo and other coastal towns, marketing coastal getaways to AFCON visitors. We’ll also highlight the UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and the unique coastal lifestyle of fishing communities.
- Southern Highlands (Iringa, Mbeya): We will highlight hidden gems like the Isimila Stone Age Site, where visitors can see ancient stone tools. We’ll also promote cultural routes in the Udzungwa Mountains, a hub of biodiversity and local traditions, and combine game drives in Ruaha National Park with visits to nearby communities.
- Western & Central Zones (Dodoma, Kigoma, Katavi): We’ll raise awareness of less-traveled areas with incredible attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage Kondoa Rock-Art Sites in Dodoma, which provides a deep dive into ancient art and history. We’ll also market chimpanzee trekking in Gombe and Mahale Mountains National Parks as a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. In Dodoma, we will also showcase the emerging local wine industry.
Hands-on Cultural Experiences:
We’ll facilitate discussions on creating and marketing engaging, interactive activities, such as Cooking classes to teach visitors how to prepare local dishes like ugali and pilau.
- Artisan workshops for beadwork, pottery, and wood carving.
- Market tours to places like Arusha Central Market offer an authentic glimpse into daily life.
- Traditional performances and storytelling sessions that celebrate Tanzania’s diverse tribal heritage.
Addressing tourism stakeholders, Dr. Majaliwa Maswilasays: Your input will directly shape how we market these incredible sites and ensure a seamless, unforgettable experience for all our guests. Let’s seize this opportunity together. Let’s show the world that mainland Tanzania is more than just a destination; it is a nation with a deep, rich, and welcoming soul. He offered to contact TTSSP with any input at phone No: +255657377792/+255764774360 or Email : tt ***** @ *** il.com
