Tanzania courts Russian investment as AFCON 2027 opens new economic frontiers

Tanzania has called on Russian investors to deepen partnerships with its private sector as the country positions itself to tap into the economic opportunities surrounding the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.

Speaking at the Tanzania–Russia Business and Investment Forum in Arusha on Friday, Deputy Minister in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Dr. Pius Chaya, said the tournament presents a gateway for broader collaboration beyond sport.

He urged Russian businesses to invest in projects linked to AFCON 2027 while also exploring opportunities in mining, energy, technology, manufacturing, and education as part of Tanzania’s wider economic transformation agenda.

“We invite Russian investors to partner with Tanzania’s private sector in projects linked to Afcon 2027, and the country’s wider economic transformation agenda,” he said.

According to The Citizen, officials say Tanzania’s ongoing economic reforms and infrastructure development efforts are strengthening its appeal to foreign investors. Authorities believe growing Russian participation in such forums reflects rising confidence in the country’s long-term economic outlook.

To support investment inflows, the government highlighted enhanced facilitation systems, including the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA) and a One Stop Facilitation Center designed to streamline processes for both local and international investors.

Minister of State in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, stressed the need to convert long-standing diplomatic relations between Tanzania and Russia into measurable economic gains.

“What we need now is to transform our excellent political and diplomatic relations into real economic outcomes for our people,” he said.

He noted that Tanzania’s vast natural resource base, including gold and other critical minerals, offers significant investment potential. He also pointed to the country’s agricultural capacity, with about a third of its more than 44 million hectares of arable land currently under cultivation.

“The world needs more food than ever before, and Tanzania has the potential to feed Africa and beyond through cooperation with experienced Russian companies,” he added.

Prof. Mkumbo further encouraged expanded market access for Tanzanian agricultural, fisheries, and mineral products in Russia, while urging local businesses to pursue opportunities in the Russian market.