Tanzania's Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Paul Makonda, has concluded a four-day visit to Spain, meeting with FC Barcelona players and officials to strengthen ties between the East African nation and the Spanish football giant. The visit, which began on September 14 at the invitation of Barcelona president Joan Laporta, aimed to explore opportunities for football development in Tanzania. Makonda was accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, the National Sports Council, and the Tanzania Football Federation.
During his visit, Makonda interacted with Barcelona stars, including Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Raphinha, and Gavi, inviting them to experience Tanzania's tourism attractions, culture, and hospitality. The engagement is part of Tanzania's efforts to deepen ties with Barcelona ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Tanzania will co-host with Kenya and Uganda. The visit also provided an opportunity for Makonda to attend a Barcelona match at Camp Nou alongside Laporta.
The discussions between Makonda and Barcelona officials focused on possible cooperation in youth talent development, technical training, and national team management. Tanzania is seeking to tap into Barcelona's expertise in player development, built through its renowned academy and technical structures. The goal is to improve coaching standards, identify and nurture young players, and strengthen the pathway from grassroots football to national teams.
The Barcelona engagement comes as Tanzania prepares to host one of the biggest sporting events in East Africa. AFCON 2027 is expected to attract football supporters, teams, and officials from across the continent, placing additional focus on the host nations' football infrastructure, organization, and technical capacity. A successful tournament could have a lasting impact on Tanzania's football landscape.
The visit also had a diplomatic component, with Barcelona president Joan Laporta conveying condolences to President Samia Suluhu Hassan following the death of her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, on September 7. The meeting between Makonda and Laporta has created a new channel between Tanzania and one of Europe's most prominent football institutions.
Potential areas of cooperation between Tanzania and Barcelona include youth development, coaching exchanges, technical training, and knowledge sharing in national-team management. If the discussions result in practical cooperation programs, they could have implications beyond the 2027 AFCON, contributing to long-term growth and development of Tanzanian football.
The visit has combined football development with diplomatic engagement, marking a significant step in Tanzania's efforts to strengthen its football structures. As the country prepares to co-host AFCON 2027, the engagement with Barcelona could provide valuable expertise and support, ultimately benefiting Tanzanian football and its fans.
Key points
- Tanzania seeks to tap into Barcelona's expertise in player development to improve coaching standards and identify young talent.
- The visit aims to strengthen ties between Tanzania and Barcelona ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
- Potential areas of cooperation include youth development, coaching exchanges, and technical training.
