TAEC STRENGTHENS NUCLEAR SECURITY STRATEGIES AHEAD OF AFCON 2027

The Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC), in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has begun strengthening preparations for nuclear and radiation security ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Tanzania will co-host with Kenya and Uganda.

The preparations aim to build national capacity to prevent, detect and respond to potential threats involving nuclear materials or other radioactive sources during the tournament, which is expected to attract players, officials, fans, journalists and visitors from various countries.

Officially opening a five-day workshop in Arusha on the preparation and implementation of nuclear security measures for major public events, TAEC Director General, Professor Najat Kassim Mohammed, said the scale and status of AFCON 2027 require thorough preparations and cooperation among various institutions to ensure the tournament is held in a safe environment.

The workshop, taking place from August 31 to September 4, 2026, brings together experts and officers from the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF), Tanzania Police Force, security agencies, customs and immigration authorities, sports stadium managers and other institutions responsible for security and safety.

Professor Najat said preparations for an event as prestigious as AFCON should not focus solely on the construction and improvement of stadiums and other infrastructure, but must also go hand in hand with strengthening security systems to protect citizens and visitors during the tournament.

She said large international gatherings require preparations that take into account different types of threats and risks that may arise. It is therefore important for relevant institutions to have the capacity to detect anything unusual at an early stage and take appropriate action in a timely manner.

“It is essential to ensure that radioactive materials and other nuclear-related materials are not used for criminal purposes, acts of destruction or other unauthorized activities during AFCON 2027,” Professor Najat said.

She emphasized that nuclear security at major public events cannot be managed by a single institution, but requires close cooperation, coordination and information sharing among all institutions with responsibilities within the national security system.

According to Professor Najat, success in this area will largely depend on the ability of relevant institutions to work together, with each institution understanding its responsibilities and how to coordinate with others before, during and after the event.

She said the workshop is part of preparations aimed at developing a common understanding among participating institutions, strengthening the capacity of experts and ensuring that coordination mechanisms operate effectively in the event of an incident requiring security intervention.

Tanzania has already taken steps to strengthen its nuclear and radiation security capacity, including the use of radiation detection equipment at some key locations and border points, as well as building the capacity of frontline officers to detect and respond to incidents that may involve radioactive sources.

Professor Najat said that, in addition to having such equipment, it is essential to ensure that experts have the capacity to use it correctly and that relevant institutions understand the procedures to be followed once an incident requiring further investigation is detected.

During the five-day workshop, participants will receive theoretical and practical training on measures to prevent threats before an event, conducting security operations at major events, radiation detection, alarm assessment, search procedures and the use of various radiation detection devices.

The equipment to be used during the training includes Personal Radiation Detectors (PRDs), Radioisotope Identification Devices (RIDs), as well as backpack radiation detection systems. Participants will be trained on how to use the equipment, interpret alarms and conduct assessments before taking further action.

The training will also cover procedures for screening people and vehicles, methods for verifying alarms generated by radiation detection equipment, and procedures for handling suspicious packages.

Professor Najat said an important component of the workshop will be practical exercises that will enable participants to apply the knowledge acquired in the classroom in situations that simulate real-life major public events.

Participants will be divided into various teams, including an operations management team, search teams and a technical radiation support team. The teams will prepare for pre-event site surveys, develop response approaches for different scenarios and allocate responsibilities according to each institution’s role.

The exercises will also involve radiation surveys in a sports stadium environment, including the playing area and spectator sections. The aim is to give participants practical experience in conducting pre-event surveys and detecting, at an early stage, any situation that may require further action.

Professor Najat said the exercises will help assess existing capabilities and identify areas that need further strengthening during the remaining period leading up to AFCON 2027.

She noted, however, that the preparations are not limited to AFCON, as the expertise, equipment and cooperation mechanisms being developed will remain part of the country’s capacity to manage security at other major events to be held in Tanzania.

“The capacity we are building through this workshop will be a lasting national resource and will be used to protect international meetings, sports competitions, visits by leaders, major national gatherings and other events of significant importance to the country,” Professor Najat said.

She added that one of the expected outcomes of the workshop is to establish a common direction on the measures that should be taken during the remaining period leading to AFCON 2027, with each institution clearly understanding its area of responsibility and how to coordinate with others.

Professor Najat thanked the IAEA for its continued cooperation with Tanzania in building the capacity of experts and strengthening nuclear security systems, saying the partnership has been important in providing the expertise, training and experience required to address potential challenges.