Arusha’s new stadium plans align with Benjamin Mkapa Stadium renovation

By Seth Mapoli , The Guardian
Published at 06:36 PM Mar 27 2024
A bird’s view of the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. The stadium will be closed to undergo major repairs soon after Taifa Stars have faced Niger on June 17 in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Photo: FILE
A bird’s view of the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. The stadium will be closed to undergo major repairs soon after Taifa Stars have faced Niger on June 17 in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

GERSON Msigwa, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Sports, has unequivocally revealed the government’s intentions to commence the construction of a new stadium in Arusha to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).


This state-of-the-art sporting arena is poised to accommodate a staggering 30,000 spectators and is slated to be one of the venues for the 2027 AFCON finals.

With such grand ambitions, the stadium promises to be a beacon of national pride, not only for Arusha but for Tanzania as a whole.

He stated: "The stadium will boast modern amenities and have a seating capacity for 30,000 individuals, making it one of the chosen venues for hosting the finals of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).”

In addition to the groundbreaking plans for the new stadium, Msigwa provided an update on the renovation progress at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Scheduled for completion on August 24 this year, the refurbishment aims to breathe new life into the iconic venue.

He pointed out: "We are replacing all 60,000 seats within the stadium with new ones. Rest assured, once the renovations are finished, the venue will undergo a remarkable transformation.”

A notable aspect of the renovation entails the replacement of all 60,000 seats within the stadium.

Msigwa assured the public that these new seats would transform the stadium’s ambiance and elevate the spectator experience to unparalleled heights.

With an allocated budget exceeding 31bn/-, no expense is being spared to ensure that the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium emerges as a world-class facility worthy of international acclaim.

The significance of these stadium projects extends beyond mere infrastructure development. They serve as tangible symbols of Tanzania’s commitment to advancing sports and cultural activities within the nation.

By investing in these modernized venues, we seek to enhance its global standing and provide its citizens with top-tier facilities to celebrate their athletic prowess and cultural heritage.

As the construction and renovation efforts progress, anticipation continues to build among Tanzanians eager to witness the unveiling of these architectural changes. 

In Arusha, residents eagerly await the completion of their new stadium, envisioning it as a hub of community engagement and sporting excellence.

Similarly, anticipation mounts for the grand reopening of the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, a stadium poised to reclaim its status as a premier venue for national and international events.

Beyond their functional roles as venues for sports and cultural events, these stadiums symbolize Tanzania’s aspirations for progress and prosperity.

They stand as monuments to the nation’s ambition, reflecting the collective efforts of its people to build a brighter future for generations to come.

As the construction projects are near completion and the countdown to the 2027 AFCON finals begins, Tanzania eagerly anticipates the inauguration of its newest stadiums.

With each brick laid and seat installed, the nation moves one step closer to realizing its vision of a prosperous and dynamic future, where sports and culture thrive, and the spirit of unity prevails.