The 2025 call for applications not only broke records in volume but also marked an over 300% increase in applications from countries traditionally underrepresented in pan-African competitions.
By ProsperMakene, Arusha
DEPUTY Minister for Information, Culture and Sports Hamis Mwinjuma has commended the China Railway Construction Engineering Group (CRCEG), which is currently building a football stadium in Arusha that will be used for the 2027 AFCON, saying the stadium construction project marks another milestone for Tanzania-China relations.
Speaking at the weekend during the completion of the first phase of concrete construction and the starting point of the roof installation of the stadium, the Deputy Minister said that the construction project is further building our relationships, between individuals, Chinese and local companies through small contracts, businessmen and local experts, helping to transfer knowledge and retain efficiency in the country, and also further strengthening relations between the Government of Tanzania and China.
Mwinjuma has also lauded the Chinese construction company forbtheir speed and standard, disclosed that is the first time in the country to see a contractor complete the work assigned ahead of schedule as CRCEG has completed the first phase 20 days before the deadline which stipulated in the contract.
Mwinjuma, popularly known as Mwana Fa, said: “This contract for the construction of a AFCON stadium in Arusha was signed on March 19th, last year (2024), with the official work began on July 25th, the same year, after the site handover procedure and other preliminary activities were completed. The contractor was given the responsibility of designing, building, and making the necessary purchases that will complete the design of this project based on the guiding criteria.”
He added, “Therefore, since the project began, the contractor was directed to start immediately in collaboration with the Ministry’s Advisor, Dar Al-Handasah (consultant firm, to carry out their contractual obligations.
From the record’, the construction company commenced on pouring concrete on 25th Novemver 2024, and today, just after 236 days, the major activity of pouring concrete of approximately 50 thousand cubic meters is completed. This demonstrates the contractor’s attention, professionalism, and high level of skills.”
The Deputy Minister continued to say that the contractor’s excellent work gives great hope to the government and other implementers of the project, that the work will be completed on time and to the standards.
“With the speed you have shown, Tanzanians are confident of hosting the AFCON in 2027, and we are proud to stand before them demonstrating, in action, that their desire of hosting the tournament will come true. The project is expected to be completed on July 24 next year, and we believe that it is possible.”
Mwana Fa explained that the success and the construction speed of CRCEG is due to the cooperation that the Government, through its Ministry of Information, Arts, Culture and Sports, demonstrates by making timely payments and providing cooperation to various other government agencies that manage to provide the support when needed.
“In addition, by simplifying the Contractor’s professional and management activities, I recognize the great contribution invested in the implementation of the project through the consultant, Dar Al-Handasah, as well as the Office of the Ministry of Work located here on site, namely the Clerk of Work. We also recognize that the presence of these offices in the project helps to resolve challenges in a timely manner when they arise, but also simplifies implementation and allows the Contractor to focus directly on project implementation,” the Deputy Minister said and emphasized.
Mwa Fa who is also the Member of Parliament for Muheza said that the project is one of the major projects being implemented by the Sixth Phase Government, led by His Excellency the President, Mama Samia Suluhu Hassan. “Many congratulations and thanks should go to Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan.”
He concluded by saying that the project is strategic, aimed at increasing the enthusiasm of sports in the country, as it is a deliberate effort to nurture talents and create a strong and healthy society through sports.
“Let me encourage all contractors and stakeholders involved in the implementation of this project; history is being made, and we have every reason to be proud to be among the implementers. This project marks another major milestone in the relationship between Tanzania and China.
On his part, Arusha Regional Commissioner Kenani Kihongosi said: “I have been closely following the construction of this project in Arusha since it began last year (2024). The reason for following this project so closely is because it is among the major projects being implemented by Phase Six Goverment under the leadership of Her Excellency President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, where more than 338 billion Tanzanian shillings are being invested in this project.”
RC added: “Apart from that, I am also a sports enthusiast, believing that sports are one of the pillars of strengthening the health and strength of the youth who are the future generation.”
He also said that he is aware that the project is expected to be completed by July 24 next year. “A, like my predecessors, am pleased with the efforts being made by the contractor in the implementation of the project.
With the speed I see, it is clear that the project will be completed within time, so that the residents of Arusha will be the first to utilise the benefit of this stadium and see the efforts being made by their government, not just in words but in deeds.”
Therefore, I continue to urge contractors and all stakeholders to continue working hard and with dedication to complete the project as expected. Economically, I recognize how the construction activities of this stadium have created jobs for many youth and women,” he said.
RC Kihongosi emphasized; “But also, when completed, this stadium will generate more jobs, create new businesses related to sports and entertainment, promote the tourism sector, and contribute to the national income as a whole. Therefore, for me, this project is very important, and I am eagerly awaiting it.”
He explained to the contractors implementing the project that he will continue to provide them with cooperation in all administrative matters, procedures, criteria, and supervision expected to be provided by his office and the institutions under him so as to ensure the project is completed successfully and to standards.
“In addition, I urge all stakeholders in the implementation of this project to manage carefully, fairly, and with great responsibility the funds and the implementation time, so that the value for money is seen and the Government’s vision is achieved. “The success of this project will be another reason to develop relations between the Government of Tanzania and the People’s Republic of China,” he said.
He also said that the project has opened up opportunities for exchange of experience and capacity building between local experts and contractors in implementing major strategic projects for the benefit of the nation today and future generations.
He concluded by saying: “The Arusha Regional Commissioner’s Office will continue to provide its full cooperation to ensure that preparations for the AFCON competitions are carried out as expected, and at levels that meet the expectations of our country.
I would like to sincerely take this opportunity to thank Her Excellency, the President, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for her wise and patriotic decision to invest in sports infrastructure in the country, as part of developing talents, strengthening the health of Tanzanians, and protecting the country’s international reputation.”
For his part, CRCEG Chairman Wang Yusheng said: “On behalf of CRCEG, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Ministry of Information, Arts, Culture and Sports and the government of Tanzania for their generosity, love, and support throughout the project since its inception. I also express my sincere gratitude to the project consultants and all the teams that participated in this construction to this point. Furthermore, I commend all the workers who dedicated themselves day and night to this project until this work was completed, and we are very grateful to them.”
Yusheng added: “Since the start of the construction of this Stadium on July 25, 2024, under the supervision of our leaders and the support of various stakeholders, we have overcome many challenges. But with hard work, we have conoleted the concrete phase just in 360 days, twenty days in advance, and this is a great initial achievement.”
He said that the construction of the stadium is a good example of China-Tanzania cooperation and a testament to the efforts of CRCEG in building the “One Belt, One Road Initiative.”
He ensures that the stadium will be completed in a quality manner. “This stadium will be a new platform for football games, helping Tanzania grow in sports, improve the image of the city, and attract development opportunities. It will also bring new contributions to the economy of Arusha and Tanzania as a whole.
We recognize that this is just one step, but there are still many more steps to complete this project. This initial step is a continuation of the various efforts we have already initiated. This is a testament to our determination to move forward to achieve the goals of this project. With the mission of “Freedom, Unity and Work” of the TAZARA Railway, we will continue to work hard, expand plans, and ensure the project is completed on time in July 2026.
Finally, I wish you all the best in your responsibilities of nation building, and we look forward to the completion of this stadium so that it can be used as planned. This will double the strengthening of friendship between China and Tanzania.”
