Zanzibar's Fumba Stadium has reached 87% completion, with the government aiming for a December 31, 2026, handover date, ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The stadium is a crucial part of Zanzibar's preparations for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. The government's target date is ambitious, but the current pace of construction is encouraging, according to Zanzibar Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Riziki Pembe Juma.
During a recent visit to the stadium in Fumba, Western B District, Minister Riziki Pembe Juma inspected the progress and assessed the work carried out so far. She expressed satisfaction with the significant progress made, noting that over 2,000 seats had already been installed, a major milestone in the construction process. The minister emphasized the government's commitment to closely monitoring the construction to ensure the project is completed on schedule.
The construction of the stadium's external infrastructure has reached 81%, with the roof expected to be completed in November. Work on the training grounds is also progressing, according to Consultant Mohammed Noor, representing Alhitmy. The project team remains committed to meeting the deadline, with the installation of seats and improvements to the surrounding areas expected to reach 90% by November.
The 2027 AFCON tournament will mark a significant moment for East African football, bringing together the continent's leading national teams and placing greater demands on the region's sporting facilities. For Zanzibar, the Fumba project is expected to strengthen sports infrastructure and provide a major venue for the continental competition. The government's continued supervision is intended to keep construction on schedule as preparations for the tournament gather pace.
With the overall project more than four-fifths complete, attention is now focused on finishing the remaining construction work, completing the roof and training facilities, and ensuring the supporting infrastructure is ready. The Fumba Stadium is a key part of Zanzibar's preparations for AFCON 2027, and its completion will provide a significant boost to the region's sports infrastructure.
The 2027 AFCON tournament will be a major event for East African football, and the Fumba Stadium's completion will play a critical role in its success. The stadium's construction has been progressing satisfactorily, with the project team committed to meeting the deadline. The government's close monitoring of the project ensures that it stays on track, providing a world-class venue for the tournament.
As the construction of the Fumba Stadium nears completion, the focus shifts to ensuring that all aspects of the project are finished on time. The government's commitment to closely monitoring the construction and the project team's dedication to meeting the deadline are crucial in delivering a world-class stadium for the 2027 AFCON tournament.
Key points
- The Fumba Stadium is expected to be 90% complete by November, with the roof and training facilities nearing completion.
- The 2027 AFCON tournament will be co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, marking a significant moment for East African football.
- The Fumba Stadium's completion will strengthen sports infrastructure in Zanzibar and provide a major venue for the continental competition.
