Deep Dive: Tanzania plans BRT buses in Arusha ahead of Afcon tournament

From a geopolitical perspective, Tanzania's investment in Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems in Arusha for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon, Africa's premier international football competition held every two years) underscores the strategic use of mega-events to accelerate infrastructure development in East Africa. Arusha, a key city in northern Tanzania near the Kenyan border and home to the East African Community (EAC) headquarters, benefits from this as it positions the country as a regional hub for sports and diplomacy. Key actors include the Tanzanian government, local authorities in Arusha, and the Confederation of African Football (CAF, the governing body organizing Afcon), whose interests align in boosting national prestige and economic activity through such events. Historically, Arusha has been central to regional dynamics, hosting the Arusha Declaration in 1967 where President Julius Nyerere outlined African socialism (Ujamaa), shaping Tanzania's post-independence identity, and serving as a site for peace talks in East African conflicts like those in Burundi and Rwanda. Culturally, the city's Maasai heritage and proximity to Mount Kilimanjaro and Serengeti make it a tourism gateway, and Afcon preparations leverage this to enhance connectivity. The BRT (Bus Rapid Transit, a high-capacity public transport system using dedicated lanes) initiative addresses urban congestion exacerbated by population growth and tourism, reflecting broader EAC efforts to integrate transport networks across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Cross-border implications extend to neighboring countries, as Afcon often draws fans from across Africa, impacting migration, trade, and tourism flows. Kenya and Uganda, EAC partners, stand to gain from spillover tourism and fan travel, while CAF's selection of Tanzanian venues signals confidence in the region's stability post-COVID disruptions. Beyond Africa, global sponsors and broadcasters like those from Europe and the Middle East are affected through increased viewership and investments, potentially elevating Tanzania's profile in international sports diplomacy. Looking ahead, successful BRT implementation could serve as a model for sustainable urban planning in growing African cities, balancing event-driven gains with long-term benefits. However, challenges like funding, maintenance, and equitable access must be navigated to avoid white-elephant projects, ensuring stakeholders prioritize local communities alongside tournament success.