By Business Insider Reporter
As teams begin to arrive for the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, all eyes are turning to Tanzania, which is co-hosting the prestigious tournament for the first time alongside Kenya and Uganda under the banner Pamoja (Swahili for “Together”).
The arrival of two-time champions Morocco in Nairobi this week marked the official build-up to the tournament, but in Dar es Salaam, the energy is already palpable.
Tanzania is hosting the opening match at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Saturday, August 2, as the region welcomes the continent’s top home-based national football teams.
Infrastructure ready, fans eager
Tanzania has spent the last 18 months preparing to deliver on its hosting promise.
Major upgrades were completed at the Benjamin Mkapa and Azam Complex stadiums in Dar es Salaam, including enhancements to lighting, seating, security and media facilities to meet CAF’s international standards.
In addition, transport and hospitality infrastructure has been scaled up, particularly around the city’s two stadiums and Julius Nyerere International Airport.
“We have made every effort to ensure this is a successful, safe and enjoyable tournament,” said a topofficial from the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports.
More than 20,000 visiting fans are expected to arrive in Tanzania over the course of the month-long championship, providing a boost to tourism, hospitality and retail sectors. Hotels in Dar es Salaam report occupancy levels nearing 90 percent, with tour operators already offering CHAN-themed safari packages to nearby attractions like Mikumi National Park and Zanzibar.
Sporting reputation on the rise
Hosting CHAN 2024 marks a coming-of-age moment for Tanzanian football administration.
With growing investment in local leagues, player development and stadium infrastructure, Tanzania is positioning itself as a credible destination for international tournaments.
“This is more than football. It’s an opportunity to showcase Tanzania’s readiness to host major sporting events and drive sports tourism,” said a senior official at the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF).
“We’ve hosted CECAFA tournaments, but CHAN puts us on a bigger stage.”
The Tanzanian national team (Taifa Stars), will be hoping to take advantage of the home crowd and familiar terrain. Drawn in Group B, they will play their first match on home soil before travelling to Kenya and Uganda for subsequent games if they advance.
Economic and diplomatic payoff
The CHAN tournament is also expected to strengthen regional cooperation. The Pamoja model of co-hosting – mirroring the 2027 AFCON format that East Africa is also set to host – demonstrates a united front for infrastructure-sharing, talent development, and tourism marketing across borders.
For Tanzania, this could serve as a stepping stone to hosting standalone events in the future, while showcasing the country’s capacity to handle complex logistics, security, and global media coverage.
What to watch
While Morocco, Angola, Zambia and DR Congo prepare to battle in Nairobi’s Group A fixtures, Tanzania will host Group B matches, including high-stakes games featuring teams from North and West Africa.
Security agencies have assured readiness, with coordinated efforts between local law enforcement and regional tournament organisers already underway. As the countdown continues, Dar es Salaam is ready – not just to cheer on Taifa Stars, but to prove that Tanzania is a serious player on Africa’s sporting and tourism map.
