Tanzania Eyes Barcelona Collaboration Ahead…

Barcelona President Joan Laporta and Tanzanian Sports Minister Paul Makonda. Photo: Facebook/Tanzanian Football Federation

Tanzania is exploring a partnership with FC Barcelona that could see the Spanish giants share their expertise with the East African nation ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

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Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Minister Paul Makonda began a four-day visit to Barcelona on 14 September at the invitation of club president Joan Laporta, aimed at identifying areas where the La Liga side’s experience could support football development in Tanzania.

The talks focused on talent development, technical development, the operation of the national team, and how Barcelona’s experience can help preparations for AFCON 2027, as Tanzania prepares to co-host the tournament alongside Kenya and Uganda, according to the Tanzania Football Federation.

Tanzania Seeks Barcelona Expertise

Barcelona is recognised worldwide for its system of nurturing and developing the talents of players, making it one of the clubs used as a role model in the development of modern football.

Most of the players in the Spanish national team that won the 2026 World Cup came through FC Barcelona’s system, underlining the value of any potential cooperation for Tanzanian football.

Partnership Could Extend Beyond AFCON

Laporta also presented Makonda with a special letter of condolence to convey to President Samia Suluhu Hassan following the death of her husband on 7 September, wishing her continued patience and courage during the period of mourning.

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Makonda, accompanied by experts from the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, the National Sports Council and the TFF, is expected to attend Barcelona’s match against Racing Santander on 16 September at Camp Nou as a guest of Laporta.

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