Tanzania set to redefine East African sports with most modern football stadium
Tanzania is set to embark on the construction of what promises to be the most modern football stadium in East Africa, as the government allocates Sh286 billion ( about $112.6 million) for the ambitious project.
The football stadium will be built before Tanzania co-hosts the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals.
Tanzania's Culture, Arts and Sports Minister Damas Ndumbaro announced at the signing ceremony for the stadium's construction contract on March 19, 2024 that the project will be named in honour of the sitting President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
"The stadium will be of high quality with VIP rooms as we celebrate President Samia's three years in office," Ndumbaro was quoted by local media The Citizen.
To have a capacity of 30,000 seats, Ndumbaro said the stadium will be the most modern in the East African countries. Besides domestic and international matches, it will host various events, including athletics, trade expos, and tourism promotion.
John Mongella, commissioner of Tanzania's Arusha region located in the northeast of the country emphasized on the stadium's potential to boost tourism in the region. "We promise to honour this construction; we will ensure it progresses day and night to prevent any delays on our part. We are making a significant mark in history," he said.
