Zanzibar will host the Africa Elite Series for three consecutive years after securing a strategic partnership designed to attract leading African football clubs.
The agreement, announced on Monday, October 26, brings together Zanzibar’s Ministry of Information, Arts, Culture and Sports, the Zanzibar Football Federation (ZFF) and The Return Pass Consult.
Under the arrangement, Zanzibar will host the 2027, 2028 and 2029 editions of the tournament, establishing a long-term home for the continental preseason platform.
The Africa Elite Series brings together leading African clubs for competitive preseason matches, technical preparation and knowledge-sharing programmes.
Organisers believe the partnership will strengthen football development while positioning Zanzibar as a destination for sports tourism and international investment.
The 2027 edition is scheduled for July 31 to August 8, with participating clubs and other operational details expected to be announced later.
Beyond competitive matches, the initiative incorporates coaching education, football technology discussions, youth development clinics and community engagement programmes.
Zanzibar’s Deputy Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Arts, Culture and Sports, Makame Machano Haji, welcomed the agreement.
“The Africa Elite Series aligns strongly with our vision of using sport as a catalyst for youth development, tourism promotion, cultural exchange, and economic growth,” Haji said.
“Through this partnership, Zanzibar will not only host elite football clubs from across the continent but also showcase our hospitality and potential to a global audience.”
ZFF General Secretary Hussein Ahmada Vuai believes the tournament will create opportunities for local football stakeholders to learn from established African clubs.
“Beyond the matches, the educational and development programmes embedded within AES will contribute to raising standards and creating lasting benefits for our coaches, players, officials, and clubs,” Vuai said.
The partnership also includes the AES CARES initiative, which promotes youth empowerment, education, sustainability and social inclusion through football.
Abdul Faisal Chibsah, founder and strategic architect of The Return Pass Consult, described the agreement as the foundation of a broader development programme.
“This agreement represents far more than the hosting of a football tournament,” Chibsah said.
“It is the foundation of a long-term partnership designed to position Zanzibar as Africa’s preseason football capital.”
“While delivering meaningful impact through tourism, innovation, education, youth development, and community empowerment.”
Organisers are expected to announce participating clubs, sponsors and further arrangements in the coming months as preparations for the 2027 tournament gather momentum.