Drogba to Partner With Tanzania on Sports Development Ahead of 2027 PAMOJA AFCON

Didier Drogba agrees to support Tanzania’s 2027 AFCON preparations as Sports Ambassador | GettyImages 

The former Chelsea star has been asked to serve as Tanzania’s ambassador for the 2027 PAMOJA AFCON, which Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will co-host from June 19 to July 17. 

Drogba praised Tanzania’s increased sports budget and urged youth to combine education with football for lasting success...

Former Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba says he’s open to working with Tanzania to help develop the country’s sports sector, with a focus on football, as it gears up to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Speaking during his visit to Tanzania, Drogba noted the discussion he had with President Samia Suluhu Hassan and expressed appreciation for the invitation from both the President and the Ministry of Sports to explore ways he can support preparations for the continental tournament.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has asked Didier Drogba to serve as Tanzania’s ambassador for the 2027 PAMOJA AFCON, a tournament jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from June 19 to July 17.

The offer was made on May 5 shortly after Drogba arrived at Chamwino 

State House in Dodoma. The former striker also took part in Tanzania’s budget presentation as a special guest, at the invitation of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Minister Paul Makonda.

Former Chelsea and Ivory Coast national team star Didier Drogba received a warm welcome in Parliament in Tanzania on Tuesday, as lawmakers convened for the presentation of the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports budget. pic.twitter.com/fLi16EucYL

— The Citizen Tanzania (@TheCitizenTz) May 4, 2026

A Boost for Youth Sports Development

“We believe Drogba’s expertise will be invaluable in creating sustainable sports infrastructure that benefits our young athletes,” a Ministry spokesperson said after the talks.

Drogba Welcomes Partnership Opportunity

Drogba thanked President Hassan for the invitation and said he’s ready to work alongside the Tanzanian Government on multiple fronts of sports development.

The Ivory Coast’s all-time leading scorer and Africa’s fourth-highest men’s international goalscorer said: “I am honoured by President Hassan’s invitation and look forward to contributing to Tanzania’s sporting vision.”

President Hassan has also instructed the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports to partner with Drogba on sharing knowledge about running sports academies and training centres across the country, as part of broader efforts to strengthen sports development.

A two-time Africa Cup of Nations finalist with Ivory Coast and one of football’s most decorated players, Drogba said he has taken note of Tanzania’s sustained efforts to advance its sports sector.

The 2006 and 2009 African Footballer of the Year pointed to the sharp rise in the country’s sports budget, from a modest figure to over 200 million, describing it as “impressive and indicative of a true commitment to development.”

“The sports sector is an important resource for social development. It has the potential to support young people and strengthen society as a whole,” said Drogba.

Drogba also offered guidance to Tanzanian youth pursuing football careers, stressing that education should go hand in hand with athletic talent. He noted that long-term success depends on having strong values, knowledge, and discipline.

“Many want to be soccer players, but education is the foundation of everything. It helps you become a responsible and ethical person. With education, you can achieve your dreams and stay successful,” he stressed.

Chelsea legend Didier Drogba paid Tanzania President Samia Suluhu a visit at Chamwino State House in Dodoma. pic.twitter.com/JqjaKJ38Yv

— Vantage Ke (@VantageKe) May 5, 2026

Drogba on What Made Him the Best

The former striker, who joined Chelsea for £24 million in 2004 as the most expensive Ivorian player at the time, said self-belief, a commitment to continuous learning, and a solid personal foundation were key to his success in football.

“I am speaking about this very clearly, because my father never wanted me to play football,” said Drogba, who made his professional debut at age 21 with Ligue 2 side Le Mans.

“But I am speaking about a time when football was not seen as a professional career as it is now. So, I understood him, I understood his fears as a parent about his child’s future.

“But at the same time, I was very determined to succeed as a football player, so much so that I also had to work hard in school. My education was like a safety net because if I got injured or failed to achieve my dream of becoming a player, I would still be able to succeed through education.”

Drogba added: “Now, times have changed. Yes, parents should support their children in their dreams, but at the same time they should be close to them to show them the right path and warn them not to follow the wrong path. This is a challenge for every parent, even if I face it with my children.

“But it is also a good journey to go through together. And when success comes, it is everyone’s success. My father did not want me to play football, but I proved him wrong. It was not a fight against it, but it was a fight within myself to prove that I can. And today, my father is the happiest man.”

On why he loves sports, Drogba said: “Regarding sports as an economic sector, that is why I love sports, especially football. Many people want to play football, but very few succeed in being selected. Now what do the others do? Many think that is the end of their journey in sports but it is not true.

“The sports industry has so many opportunities. You can be a coach, a sports director, or even someone who maintains the stadiums so that others can play. There are so many jobs in this industry. It has clearly shown that it has created a lot of jobs.”

The 2027 AFCON will mark the first time three nations jointly host the tournament, giving CAF and African football a rare chance to connect with more than 400 million people across East Africa.