Tanzania steps up investment in sports infrastructure

The Tanzanian government is accelerating investment in sports infrastructure as it seeks to position itself as a leading destination for international sporting events. According to Neema Msitha, Executive Secretary of the National Sports Council, the country is stepping up efforts to bid for major competitions, including multi-sport events such as the All-Africa Games. This move aims to expand Tanzania's presence on the international sporting stage.

Msitha cited several advantages that make Tanzania an attractive destination for international competitions, including peace and stability, hospitality, rich cultural heritage, and tourism attractions. However, she acknowledged that the country previously struggled to secure hosting rights due to a lack of sports infrastructure meeting international standards. The government is now focused on completing key infrastructure projects ahead of AFCON 2027 and Miss World.

The completion of planned projects is expected to mark a new chapter for Tanzanian sport, enabling the country to focus on attracting international competitions and creating opportunities for local athletes. Msitha pointed to Morocco, Egypt, South Africa, and Algeria as examples of African countries that regularly pursue hosting rights due to their established sports infrastructure. She emphasized that sports development should not revolve around football stadiums alone.

The government is establishing a specialized institution, the Sports Infrastructure Management Agency (SIMA), to oversee the management of sports infrastructure. Msitha stressed that investment in diverse, modern facilities is essential to improving competitiveness across all sporting disciplines. The initiative demonstrates the government's commitment to developing modern facilities capable of accommodating various sporting disciplines and hosting international competitions.

The government's infrastructure program covers a wide range of facilities, including multipurpose sports complexes, athletics tracks, basketball and netball courts, tennis facilities, swimming pools, and indoor arenas designed to meet international standards. Existing facilities include the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, whose athletics track is certified by World Athletics.

Ongoing developments include the construction of additional sports facilities in Kawe, Arusha, and Dodoma, alongside recreation centers in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma. A multipurpose sports center is under development in Babati, Manyara Region, as part of the government's efforts to expand sports infrastructure and improve access to sporting facilities across the country.

The government's investment aims to remove one of the longstanding barriers to Tanzania's participation in hosting major international sporting events. With improved infrastructure, the country will be better placed to attract global competitions while creating a stronger foundation for athlete development and other sporting disciplines.

Key points

• The Tanzanian government is investing in modern sports facilities to host international events.
• The country aims to bid for major competitions, including multi-sport events such as the All-Africa Games.
• The government is establishing a specialized institution, the Sports Infrastructure Management Agency (SIMA), to oversee sports infrastructure management.