AFCON 2027 brings 60,000 fans to Benjamin Mkapa Stadium for every Tanzania home match. That is 60,000 people who need food, drinks, transport, services and products — and most of them will be spending money within walking distance of the stadium. For Tanzanian entrepreneurs this is the most significant local business opportunity in a generation. Here is exactly how to set up legally and position yourself to capture it.
The Opportunity
Tanzania is expected to receive 300,000 tourists per day during AFCON 2027. Benjamin Mkapa Stadium hosts Tanzania’s three group stage matches plus knockout rounds — potentially five or more matches in total. Each match brings 60,000 fans to Temeke District, the majority spending money before and after the game.
Beyond match days the tournament runs 29 days — 19 June to 17 July 2027. Fans staying in Dar es Salaam for multiple matches generate daily spending throughout that entire period.
Business Ideas Near Mkapa Stadium
| Business | Investment | Match Day Potential | Daily Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food and drinks stall | Low–Medium | 🔴 Very High | 🔴 High |
| Transport service | Medium | 🔴 Very High | 🔴 High |
| Accommodation rental | Low — existing space | 🔴 Very High | 🔴 High |
| Tourist guide services | Very Low | 🟡 Moderate | 🔴 High |
| Merchandise and souvenirs | Medium | 🔴 Very High | 🟡 Moderate |
| Currency exchange | Medium — float required | 🔴 High | 🔴 High |
| SIM card and data reseller | Low | 🔴 Very High | 🟡 Moderate |
| Fan services and conveniences | Low | 🔴 Very High | 🟡 Moderate |
Step 1 — Register Your Business with BRELA
Every business operating legally in Tanzania must be registered with the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA). This is your first step before applying for any other permit or licence.
How to register:
- Visit brela.go.tz to register online or visit the BRELA office in Dar es Salaam
- Choose your business structure — sole proprietorship is simplest for a single-person operation
- Submit your national ID, proposed business name and business address
- Pay the registration fee — approximately TZS 30,000 to 50,000
- Receive your Certificate of Registration
Keep your BRELA certificate — you will need it for every subsequent application.
Step 2 — Get Your Trading Licence
A trading licence from the relevant local authority is required to operate any commercial activity in Tanzania. For businesses near Benjamin Mkapa Stadium the relevant authority is Temeke Municipal Council.
How to apply:
- Visit Temeke Municipal Council offices with your BRELA certificate and national ID
- Apply for a business licence appropriate to your activity
- Pay the licence fee — varies by business type, budget TZS 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Receive your trading licence
Do not operate without a trading licence during AFCON 2027. Enforcement around the stadium will be significantly heightened and unlicensed vendors risk having their goods confiscated.
Step 3 — Register with the AFCON 2027 Local Organising Committee
This is the most important step for any business wanting to trade in official match day zones around Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. The AFCON 2027 Local Organising Committee (LOC) manages all official vendor positions, concession rights and business permits within the tournament perimeter.
Only LOC-registered vendors can trade in official stadium zones on match days. Unregistered vendors in restricted zones will be removed by security.
How to register:
- Contact the Tanzania Football Federation at tff.or.tz
- Follow @TFF_Tz on Twitter/X — LOC vendor registration announcements will come through official channels
- Prepare your BRELA certificate and trading licence for the application
- Apply as early as possible — official vendor positions are limited
LOC vendor registration has not yet opened as of June 2026. Follow TFF channels for the announcement — this window will be competitive and short.
Step 4 — Plan Your Setup and Infrastructure
The area around Mkapa Stadium in Temeke is a local residential and commercial district — not a tourist zone with ready-made infrastructure. Plan your setup independently.
| Infrastructure need | Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Power supply | Solar panels, generator or grid connection | Solar is most practical for outdoor stalls — no fuel cost, no noise |
| Shade and shelter | Canvas tent or gazebo | June/July match days are hot — shade is essential |
| Signage | Banners in English and Swahili | Visible from a distance — fans will not stop if they cannot see you |
| Payment systems | Cash TZS + M-Pesa | Display your M-Pesa number visibly — many fans prefer mobile payment |
| Security | Lockbox or supervised system | For any service involving customer valuables |
Step 5 — Price Your Services Right
Visiting fans from Nigeria, Algeria, Morocco and across Africa will be price-sensitive but willing to pay a fair rate for genuine convenience. Overpricing damages Tanzania’s reputation as a host. Underpricing leaves money on the table.
General pricing guidance for match day services near the stadium:
- Price in TZS — always display prices clearly in Tanzanian Shillings
- Have USD equivalents available for international fans who ask
- Keep prices consistent — do not charge different amounts to different nationalities
- Have change ready for TZS 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000 notes — most transactions will be cash
- Accept Mobile Money — display your number visibly
Match Day Preparation
Tanzania home matches at Mkapa Stadium: 20 June, 24 June and 28 June 2027. Each brings 60,000 fans through Temeke District.
| Timing | What to expect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 3–4 hours before kick-off | Fans arriving, building atmosphere | Be fully set up and ready |
| 2 hours before kick-off | Peak pre-match trading window | Maximum stock and capacity available |
| During the match | Low footfall — most fans inside | Restock and prepare for post-match rush |
| Final whistle + 60 minutes | Peak post-match trading window | Often busier than pre-match — fans hot, tired and waiting for transport |
Advertising Your Business to AFCON Fans
Once your business is set up, reaching the thousands of international fans arriving in Dar es Salaam is your next challenge. AFCON Tanzania Guide reaches fans actively planning their AFCON 2027 trip — exactly your target audience.
We offer advertising options for local businesses targeting AFCON 2027 visitors . To discuss listing your business visit our contact page.
Key Contacts
| Organisation | Purpose | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| BRELA | Business registration | brela.go.tz |
| Temeke Municipal Council | Trading licence | Visit in person — Temeke District offices |
| Tanzania Football Federation | LOC vendor registration | tff.or.tz / @TFF_Tz |
| Tanzania Revenue Authority | Tax registration | tra.go.tz |
| AFCON Tanzania Guide | Advertising to AFCON fans | afcontanzaniaguide.com/contact |
For the full AFCON 2027 business and investment overview see our business and investment guide. For match dates and the tournament schedule see our fixtures page. For everything about Benjamin Mkapa Stadium see our stadiums guide.
Regulatory requirements based on Tanzania Business Licensing Act and BRELA registration process as of June 2026. LOC vendor registration process to be confirmed by CAF and TFF — follow official channels for announcements.