The Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium in Arusha and Afcon City in Zanzibar represent a unified vision for Tanzania’s hosting of the AFCON 2027 tournament, bridging the mainland and the archipelago through world-class sports infrastructure. While the Arusha project draws architectural inspiration from the rugged peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro and the blue hues of Tanzanite, Afcon City in Zanzibar is designed as a futuristic “sports city” that integrates high-tech stadium technology with luxury tourism and medical facilities.
Together, these venues serve as strategic pillars for the “Pamoja” bid (with Kenya and Uganda), aiming to decentralize major sporting events and showcase Tanzania’s diverse regional identities from the northern safari circuit to the blue economy of the Indian Ocean. This thereby creates a permanent legacy of economic growth and sports excellence across the entire United Republic.
March 21, 2024
Tanzania has just signed a $112 million contract for the construction of the proposed Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium that will be located in Arusha region. The signing ceremony was conducted at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in the city of Dar es Salaam on Tuesday.
During the event, the Minister in charge of Culture, Arts, and Sports in Tanzania, Dr. Damas Ndumbaro mentioned that among other stadiums, the upcoming Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium will be used to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.
Facilities of the Stadium
This upcoming stadium is set to have a total of two VIP Sections in both sides whereby one section will be occupied by government officials and the other section will be reserved for top company corporates. Additionally, the Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium will contain facilities such as offices, halls, a museum, and other several facilities. This upcoming major stadium in Tanzania is expected to be operational on daily basis and not during match events only.
Capacity of the Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium
The Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium is will have a capacity of 30,000 spectators. The stadium will be constructed on 14.57 hectares of land. It will also meet the set standards of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA, which is the governing body of football globally. President Samia Suluhu will be the second head of state to construct such a magnificent stadium after the late third term president, Benjamin Mkapa, who was behind the construction of Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
The Developer/Contractor of the Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium
The China Railway Construction Engineering Group (CRCEG) will be the developer/ contractor of the Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium. Upon the completion of the stadium, will hold football games, commercial activities, and even both official government ceremonies and events.
This upcoming Dr. Samia Hassan Stadium will also be a tourist attraction in the region thereby boosting tourism generally in Arusha, which is also known as the safari capital, and becoming a brand-new landmark in Arusha. Tanzania will be hosting the 2027 AFCON, which is the main international association football competition for men in Africa alongside Kenya and Uganda.
The Design of the Stadium
The inspiration of the design of the stadium is derived from Tanzanite and Mount Kilimanjaro, while its colors will be stemmed from the national flag of Tanzania. “The general architectural style of the Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium is quite light and simple and perfectly integrates the local environment and the culture of Tanzania,” stated the chief engineer of CRCEG in East Africa, Zhou Zejun. There will also be an incorporation of a large-span steel structure and a cantilever structure to the architectural design of the stadium that will cover all the seats in the stadium and ensure that the spectators have an amazing clear view of the activities in the stadium during events or matches.
Project Factsheet
Name: Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium
Location: Olomoti Area, Arusha, Tanzania
Construction Cost: Approximately $112 million (TSh 286 billion)
Main Contractor: China Railway Construction Engineering Group (CRCEG)
Consultant & Supervisor: Dar Al-Handasah
Current Status: Approximately 75% complete (as of late February/early March 2026). The roof structure is currently being erected and internal finishing has commenced.
Expected Completion: July 2026 (to allow for full operational testing before 2027).
Capacity: 30,000 spectators (all-seater).
Multipurpose Use: Designed for football, rugby, international athletics, and cultural events.
Mount Kilimanjaro & Tanzanite: The structural silhouette and colors are inspired by the peaks of Kilimanjaro and the unique blue-violet hue of the Tanzanite gemstone.
Roofing: Features a large-span steel framework with a cantilever structure that covers all spectator seats, ensuring an unobstructed view of the pitch.
Project Team
China Railway Construction Engineering Group (CRCEG): The General Contractor responsible for the design, procurement, and physical construction. They are a subsidiary of the state-owned China Railway Group Limited (CREC).
China Railway Research Institute Group Co. Ltd: Co-signatory on the primary construction contract, providing specialized research and technical engineering support.
Dar Al-Handasah (Shair and Partners): The lead Project Consultant. They are responsible for the design review, contract administration, and construction supervision to ensure the stadium meets FIFA and CAF Category 4 standards.
Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Sports (Tanzania): The primary government body commissioning the project and managing the $112 million budget.
Ministry of Works: Provides the “Clerk of Works” on-site to verify that materials and construction quality align with national infrastructure regulations.
Tanzania Football Federation (TFF): Acts as a strategic partner to ensure the facility meets the specific logistical needs of the AFCON 2027 tournament.