The Boxing Federation of Tanzania (BFT) has unveiled ambitious plans to expand the sport’s reach and competitiveness in 2025, with a focus on nurturing talent and hosting major events in Dar es Salaam. This initiative aims to build on recent successes and elevate Tanzania’s presence in African and global boxing. The strategy includes new training programs, international tournaments, and youth development to inspire the next generation of boxers.
Expanding Training and Talent Development
The BFT is prioritizing grassroots development to strengthen Tanzania’s boxing foundation. Starting in January 2025, the federation will launch a nationwide talent scouting program targeting young athletes aged 15–20. Training camps will be established in Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and Arusha to provide access to quality coaching and facilities.
Key initiatives include:
- Youth Boxing Camps: Monthly training sessions for 200 young boxers across three regions.
- Coach Certification: Training 50 new coaches to meet International Boxing Association (IBA) standards by June 2025.
- Equipment Upgrades: Distributing gloves, punching bags, and protective gear to 20 local gyms.
Lukelo Wilillo, BFT Secretary General, emphasized the importance of early investment in talent. “We want to find and train the next King Lucas Mwajobaga. Our youth are the future of Tanzanian boxing,” he said.
Hosting Major Events
The BFT plans to host the Africa Zone 3 Boxing Championships in Dar es Salaam from April 15–22, 2025. This event will bring together 14 African nations, providing a platform for Tanzanian boxers to compete at a high level. The federation expects over 150 athletes to participate, with the event serving as a qualifier for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
| Event Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Africa Zone 3 Boxing Championships |
| Date | April 15–22, 2025 |
| Location | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania |
| Participants | 150+ athletes from 14 countries |
| Purpose | Commonwealth Games 2026 qualification |
The BFT is also exploring partnerships with the World Boxing Federation to host a professional boxing event in late 2025. This follows the success of the 2013 “Title Night in Tanzania,” which drew significant attention to the sport.
Building on Recent Successes
Tanzania’s boxing scene has shown promise in recent years. In January 2025, Tanzanian boxer King Lucas Mwajobaga earned a unanimous points victory against Angola’s Elder Liduema in Tunisia, highlighting the country’s growing talent pool. The BFT aims to capitalize on such performances to boost national pride and attract sponsorship.
Moses Muhangi, President of the Uganda Boxing Federation, praised Tanzania’s progress. “Tanzania is building a strong boxing culture. Their commitment to hosting events and training youth will make them a force in African boxing,” he said.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the optimism, the BFT faces challenges, including limited funding and the need for better facilities. The federation is seeking government and private sector support to address these issues. Plans are underway to renovate the Mgulani National Service training camp in Dar es Salaam by March 2025 to accommodate larger training groups.
Looking Ahead
The BFT’s 2025 plans signal a bold step toward making Tanzania a boxing powerhouse in Africa. By investing in youth, hosting international events, and improving infrastructure, the federation aims to create lasting growth for the sport.
