PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa has inaugurated the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and 13 subcommittees that are charged with effectively planning and executing a successful Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 tournament in Tanzania.

In September 2023, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded hosting rights for the 36th edition of the AFCON 2027 to the East Africa joint Pamoja bid by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.

Among the requirements is the establishment of the local organising committee that will be responsible for organising the tournament.

Speaking during the launch of the committee at an event held in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Majaliwa said the government has great confidence the committee will achieve success.

"Tell us what we should do to become champions. Let this assembly raise what we should do now and start preparation. We have created a committee with professionals and experts in the sports industry, we hope they will lead us to great success," he said.

Majaliwa said that the government has continued with preparations including building and upgrading infrastructure such as parks, roads, railways, and air and water transport.

"The government has positioned itself well to host this competition. We have the required capacity, ability, and determination to make this competition a success," he emphasised.

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Sports, Dr. Damas Ndumbaro, acknowledged the patriotism and political will of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan that ensured great strides made in the sports industry.

He has said that the AFCON 2027 local organising committee will have 13 sub-committees of experts from diverse areas.

"The committees will be for infrastructure, communication, finance, treatment and prevention, transport, protection and security, law, marketing, advertising, event management, team management, fans and spectators,” he said.

The AFCON 2027 local organising committee is chaired by Leodger Tenga, and deputised by Ayoub Mohammed Mahmoud.

It comprises people of vast experience in different fields, including Neema Msitha, who currently serves as the secretary general of the National Sports Council (NSC), and the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) president Wallace Karia.

Others are Said Kassim Marine (Assistant Secretary), Suleiman Mahmoud Jabir, Nehemia Msechu, Wilfred Kidao, Ally Mayay, Ameir Mohamed Makame, Naima Said Shaame, Mohamed Abdulaziz, Madundo Mtambo, Jacqueline Kavishe, Gilead Teri and Aboubakar Bakhresa.

The committee also involves Professor Mohamed Janabi, Abubakar Liongo, Thomas Ndonde, Rona Lyimo, Ramadhan Dau, Hassan Mabena, Abdul Nsekela, Jumanne Muliro, Abdul Mhinte, Saleh Ally, Hamad Abdallah, Johnson Pallangyo and Kheri Salum Ally.