Sh2.2bn set aside to boost Kazimzumbwi tourism ahead of AFCON

KISARAWE: THE government has allocated Sh2.2 billion for the development of tourism facilities in Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserve, with the project expected to boost domestic tourism and provide entertainment opportunities for football fans during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The investment will support the development of accommodation cottages, entertainment areas and other visitor facilities aimed at positioning Kazimzumbwi as an attractive destination for local and international tourists.

As part of the AFCON preparations, entertainment areas are being planned within the forest reserve, where large screens will be installed to enable football fans to watch matches without having to travel to the stadiums.

The initiative is expected to combine football entertainment with nature-based tourism, giving visitors an opportunity to enjoy the tournament while experiencing the natural environment of Kazimzumbwi.

The development works were inspected today, November 20 2026, by Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Dr Ashatu Kijaji, accompanied by the Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Hamad Hassan Chande, Kisarawe District Commissioner Petro Magoti and Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) Deputy Conservation Commissioner Emmanuel Kiboko.

During the inspection, officials reviewed progress on the construction of visitor facilities, including cottages intended to accommodate tourists visiting the forest reserve.

Currently, three cottages are at different stages of development, with one completed, another nearing completion and construction of the third underway. The overall plan is to establish seven cottages to increase accommodation capacity at the site.

The project also includes the construction of an entrance gate to improve the site’s appearance and enhance the experience of visitors arriving at the forest reserve.

The cottages are scheduled for completion by April 15, 2027, according to the project timeline outlined during the briefing.

The investment is expected to strengthen Kazimzumbwi’s position as a domestic tourism destination, particularly during the AFCON period, when football-related activities could provide an additional attraction for visitors.

Beyond the continental tournament, the facilities are expected to support efforts to promote tourism within Tanzania by encouraging residents to explore the country’s natural attractions.

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The development also presents opportunities for surrounding communities to benefit from tourism-related businesses and services, while reinforcing the importance of conserving the forest reserve.

The government has continued to emphasise the development of tourism infrastructure and the promotion of lesser-known destinations as part of broader efforts to diversify tourism products and expand the sector’s contribution to economic growth.