Deputy Minister for Information, Culture and Sports, Hamis Mwinjuma, has praised China Railway Construction Engineering Group (CRCEG) for completing the first phase of the Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium in Arusha 20 days ahead of schedule.

During a visit to the site over the weekend, Mwinjuma highlighted the stadium as a symbol of strong Tanzania–China relations. He confirmed that the concrete phase is complete, with roofing now underway.

The stadium, set to host the 2027 AFCON tournament, began construction on July 25, 2024. In just 236 days, CRCEG poured over 50,000 cubic meters of concrete, a feat Mwinjuma called unprecedented in Tanzania.

He credited the progress to strong coordination between government ministries, timely funding, and the presence of a full-time consultant team. Mwinjuma expressed confidence the stadium will be completed by July 2025.

CRCEG Chairman Wang Yusheng echoed the commitment, calling the project a testament to Tanzania–China cooperation. He said the stadium will not only promote sports but also boost Arusha’s economy.