By A Correspondent
The Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) is increasingly positioning sport as a strategic tool for promoting tourism and attracting investment, after successfully hosting the Pande Msakuzi Marathon inside the Pande Forest Reserve in Dar es Salaam.
The event, which attracted more than 800 runners across various age groups, drew praise from the Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Angellah Kairuki, who described the partnership between TAWA and Msakuzi Sports Promotion as an innovative model for expanding domestic tourism while stimulating local economic activity.
Speaking after the marathon, Kairuki said the collaboration demonstrated how sporting events can showcase Tanzania’s natural attractions, encourage citizens to explore local destinations and create new opportunities for tourism-led economic growth.
“I commend TAWA and Msakuzi Sports Promotion for continuing to promote domestic tourism through sport,” she said, while also applauding the organisers for increasing prize money for this year’s winners.
Tourism beyond traditional marketing
As destinations worldwide increasingly use sporting events to boost visitor numbers, Tanzania is beginning to embrace sports tourism as part of its broader strategy to diversify tourism products beyond wildlife safaris and beach holidays.
The Pande Msakuzi Marathon featured 21km, 10km, 5km and 2km races, bringing together children, young people, adults and participants aged over 70.
Beyond promoting physical fitness, the event was designed to increase awareness of the Pande Forest Reserve, one of Dar es Salaam’s protected natural areas, and encourage greater domestic visitation.
Preparing for AFCON 2027
Kairuki also expressed satisfaction with TAWA’s preparations to leverage opportunities arising from the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Tanzania will co-host alongside Kenya and Uganda.
She said Pande Forest Reserve is well positioned to become one of the destinations welcoming international visitors during the tournament, while providing investors with opportunities to expand tourism services.
On behalf of the government, the minister invited businesses and private investors to take advantage of investment opportunities within the reserve to improve visitor facilities while generating commercial returns.
Bigger ambitions ahead
The success of this year’s marathon has encouraged TAWA to raise its ambitions even further.
TAWA Board Chairman Major General (Retired) Hamis R. Semfuko announced plans to stage an AFCON International Marathon in 2027, positioning the event as a global platform to market Tanzania’s tourism attractions through sport.
According to Semfuko, the authority is undertaking major infrastructure upgrades at Pande Forest Reserve ahead of the continental football tournament.
Planned investments include an Olympic-standard swimming pool, sports facilities, accommodation, children’s recreation areas and leisure amenities aimed at transforming the reserve into a leading destination for recreation, sport and eco-tourism.
The project is expected to serve residents of Dar es Salaam, domestic tourists and international visitors alike.
Unlocking new tourism markets
Ubungo District Commissioner Albert Msando praised TAWA and Msakuzi Sports Promotion for organising an event that attracted participants from across the country.
He said Pande Forest Reserve possesses significant untapped tourism potential and urged TAWA to continue raising public awareness so that more Tanzanians visit, relax and experience the reserve’s natural attractions. As Tanzania seeks to diversify its tourism industry, initiatives such as the Pande Msakuzi Marathon demonstrate how combining conservation, recreation and sporting events can create new visitor experiences, stimulate local business activity and strengthen the country’s position as an emerging sports tourism destination ahead of AFCON 2027.
