AFCON 2027 is just around the corner – approximately 15 months from now. If anyone believes that the event is still far away and that preparations can be left until tomorrow, they need to be reminded that whatever must be done should have started yesterday. “Attack by stratagem; timing is everything in strategy,” wrote Sun Tzu, the Chinese military strategist, in his book The Art of War.
Arusha is one of the East African cities that will co-host the event. I argued in this column early last year on the need for planning in hosting the tournament. While notable progress has been made, several areas still require coordinated improvement to meet international standards.
The most visible sign of readiness is stadium infrastructure. Construction of the 30,000-seat Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium, being built in Olmoti Ward, has surpassed 75 per cent completion, with recent reports indicating that it will be finished well ahead of the tournament’s kick-off.
On accommodation, Arusha boasts a broad range of hotels, lodges and guest houses catering to international tourists. From high-end establishments to mid-range and boutique hotels, as well as private residences, the city has considerable experience in hosting global visitors. Nevertheless, AFCON will generate additional demand, as the event will coincide with the peak tourist season.
Accommodation planning should therefore extend beyond the Arusha CBD and its outskirts to satellite towns such as Usa River, Tengeru and Kisongo. What is required is strategic coordination, a transparent pricing mechanism and early reservation systems that will prevent shortages or price inflation that could damage the city’s reputation.
I believe that security and event management matters are being handled adequately behind the scenes. My greater concern relates to transport and logistics. Roads linking the CBD, Ngaramtoni, East Africa Road and Kisongo to the stadium should be expanded. A Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system should be introduced and match-day one-way traffic corridors designated. I heard the Prime Minister issuing instructions on this during his visit last week. That is welcome — provided it is implemented promptly. But is it not somewhat late in the day?
Alongside this is the driving culture of boda bodas and three-wheelers. For heaven’s sake, someone must remind them that traffic rules apply to them as well. Such chaotic disregard for traffic regulations should not be allowed to persist up to the AFCON tournament.
Urban beautification and hygiene also require urgent attention. While Arusha enjoys a scenic environment and green spaces, sections of the central business district face challenges related to drainage maintenance, informal signage and limited public sanitation facilities. International tournaments serve as global broadcasts of urban identity. Clean streets, landscaped corridors, decorative lighting and multilingual signage will be as important as the matches themselves.
A citywide “Clean and Green Arusha” campaign, tied to AFCON preparations, could deliver both immediate improvements and long-term cultural change.
With focused planning and disciplined implementation over the remaining preparation period, Arusha has the potential not only to host AFCON matches successfully but also to emerge as a model secondary host city for future continental events. “It can be done — play your part,” said Mwalimu Nyerere.
