Zanzibar Government Confirms Fumba AFCON Sports City Will Cost TZS 300bn, Not TZS 1.4trn
Zanzibar confirms Fumba AFCON Sports City will cost TZS 300bn, not TZS 1.4trn, as officials say the integrated sports city will drive sports tourism, jobs and infrastructure.
President Mwinyi Addresses Cost Claims and Project Vision
Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi used a public ceremony in Stone Town to refute reports that the Fumba AFCON Sports City would cost TZS 1.4 trillion, saying the government’s figure is TZS 300 billion. The president framed the project as a strategic investment in sports tourism, infrastructure and economic growth across the isles. He spoke during the inauguration of the Malindi Bus Terminal and the launch of electric buses, linking the sports city announcement to broader transport upgrades.
The announcement sought to clarify public confusion over the budget and to underline the government’s commitment to long-term developmental planning. President Mwinyi emphasized that Fumba is intended as a multipurpose urban development rather than only a stadium build. Officials presented the project as part of a wider plan to attract international events and deliver lasting local benefits.
Scope and Facilities Planned for Fumba AFCON Sports City
The Fumba AFCON Sports City is described by government officials as a fully integrated complex that will include an international-standard stadium, multiple training pitches and an Olympic-size swimming pool. Planners say the city will also host hotels, conference centers and residential areas designed to serve athletes, tourists and local residents. The broader layout envisions mixed-use zones that combine sports facilities with hospitality and housing to sustain year-round activity.
Beyond competition venues, project documents referenced by the administration include support infrastructure — such as parking, medical facilities, and sports science centers — to meet continental tournament standards. Government representatives stressed that these amenities are intended to support both elite events and grassroots programmes, creating a pipeline for talent development. The planned mix of facilities aims to position Zanzibar as a viable host for major African competitions.
Economic Case: Sports Tourism, Jobs and Investment
Officials argued the economic rationale for Fumba AFCON Sports City rests on capturing a growing market for sports tourism across Africa. The government projects that hosting continental tournaments and international events will increase visitor numbers, lift hotel occupancy and expand demand for restaurants, transport and local services. President Mwinyi said the multiplier effects would create business opportunities for small and medium enterprises on the islands.
Employment creation was highlighted as a central benefit: construction phases are expected to generate short-term jobs, while long-term operations of hotels, venues and ancillary services would sustain employment. The administration framed the project as an engine for foreign direct investment and international visibility, noting that sports events often accelerate infrastructure improvements that benefit other economic sectors. Officials argued that the long-term returns in tourism and business activity outweigh the initial capital outlay.
Road and Transport Upgrades to Support the Development
As part of the Fumba programme, the government has started upgrading road links between the capital and the development site, including an expansion of the Zanzibar Town–Fumba Road into a six-lane corridor. President Mwinyi described the road project as the first of its kind on the archipelago and said enhanced connectivity is crucial to handle event traffic and daily commuting. The recently opened Malindi Bus Terminal and the introduction of electric public buses were presented as complementary measures.
Transport upgrades are intended to reduce travel times and support logistics for large events, while electric buses align with sustainability goals and urban mobility improvements. Authorities argued that coordinated planning between roads, public transport and event venues is necessary to avoid congestion and to ensure positive experiences for visitors. The government acknowledged critics who question the cost and timing but maintained that such infrastructure is foundational to the sports city’s success.
Role of Zanzibar Social Security Fund and Project Oversight
The Zanzibar Social Security Fund (ZSSF) has been named as the spearheading institution behind the sports infrastructure investment, and President Mwinyi publicly commended its role. Government officials urged ZSSF to adhere to project timelines and to manage resources prudently to ensure the facilities are completed on schedule. The administration emphasized accountability measures and the expectation that construction standards will meet international requirements.
Officials also indicated plans to hand over additional community grounds, including a planned Matumbaku ground, to local clubs once main works are finished. This transfer is intended to strengthen grassroots sports and provide young athletes with access to modern facilities. The president called on institutions and stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring that the sports city yields tangible benefits for local communities and for Zanzibar’s future sporting ambitions.
Addressing Criticism and Setting Expectations for Delivery
President Mwinyi confronted scepticism directly, suggesting that some criticism stems from misunderstanding or deliberate misinformation about the project’s scope and cost. He reiterated that the administration would not be deterred by detractors and that the priority remains delivering infrastructure that will be judged by future generations. The government framed the debate as part of democratic oversight while pressing for patience until major works are complete.
Officials acknowledged the scale of the undertaking and the need for careful financial management, but they argued that the investment should be viewed through a long-term lens. They cited expected gains in international visibility, tourism revenues and employment as measures by which the project should be evaluated. The administration pledged periodic updates and emphasized collaboration with investors and local stakeholders to maintain momentum.
Community Access, Grassroots Development and Legacy Plans
Beyond elite competitions, government plans include allocating community sports facilities to local clubs and building a legacy programme to nurture young talent. Officials outlined intentions to improve access to sporting amenities across Zanzibar, linking the high-profile venues at Fumba with smaller grounds that serve everyday participants. This multi-tiered approach is aimed at broadening participation and developing coaching and competition pathways.
The promised Matumbaku ground and other community investments are intended to ensure that benefits extend beyond the immediate vicinity of the development. By integrating grassroots facilities into the project blueprint, planners hope to leave a lasting sporting and social legacy. Authorities stated that regular programming, school partnerships and youth initiatives will be part of the handover strategy.
Conclusion
Government leaders in Zanzibar have sought to reframe the debate over the Fumba AFCON Sports City by setting out a TZS 300 billion cost estimate and detailing a multi-faceted plan to combine world-class sporting venues with hotels, residences and upgraded transport links. Officials argue the project is intended to catalyze sports tourism, create jobs and elevate the islands’ capacity to host continental events. The administration has named the ZSSF as the lead institution and set expectations for accountability, while promising community access and grassroots development once facilities are completed.
