Leading Football Clubs in Africa will have the opportunity to play in the Africa Elite Series to be staged in Zanzibar between 2027-2029.

The hosting rights for Zanzibar to host three consecutive Africa Elite Series was announced on October 26^th, 2026.

Zanzibar’s Ministry of Information, Arts, Culture and Sports, the Zanzibar Football Federation (ZFF) and The Return Pass Consult signed the agreement.

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 will bring together leading African clubs for competitive preseason matches, technical preparation and knowledge-sharing programmes.

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,” said Haji.

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,” added Chibsah.