Regional cooperation for Afcon 2027
East Africa is advancing its plans to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), with a focus on regional cooperation. The tournament, which will be jointly staged by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania under the “Pamoja” initiative, aims to deliver both sporting success and long-term economic benefits for the region. This marks the first time the continent’s flagship football tournament will be co-hosted by these three neighbouring countries.
A key proposal gaining traction is for a single East African visa, intended to facilitate easier cross-border movement for football fans, teams, match officials, and tourists during the tournament. Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has supported this initiative, directing officials to consult with the Kenyan and Tanzanian governments. If adopted, this arrangement would allow visitors to travel freely between the three nations for up to four months without needing separate visas, potentially enhancing the experience for international visitors attending matches across multiple host cities.
The proposal for a common tournament visa was discussed during a high-level meeting of Uganda’s Afcon Local Organising Committee at State House, Entebbe. Uganda’s Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja emphasised the importance of this common visa for international visitors. The Acting Commissioner for Citizenship and Immigration Control in Uganda, Col Geoffrey Brian Kambere, noted that this builds on existing regional cooperation, as Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda already operate a joint tourist visa. Tanzania is viewed as a crucial link to achieve seamless movement across the Afcon host nations.
Infrastructure development and deadlines
Beyond immigration reforms, preparations for Afcon are driving significant infrastructure programmes across the three host countries. Governments are investing in stadiums, airports, roads, hotels, and transport systems to meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) hosting requirements. These investments are also expected to improve long-term public infrastructure in the region.
In Uganda, efforts are concentrated on meeting strict CAF deadlines, with another inspection anticipated on August 31, 2026. Earlier this year, CAF inspectors visited the country and provided recommendations after assessing Mandela National Stadium, which is currently undergoing renovations. These upgrades are designed to improve seating capacity, pitch quality, and the overall fan experience. Officials stress that continued collaboration between the government, the private sector, and football authorities, including the Federation of Uganda Football Associations, is vital to address any remaining gaps before the 2027 tournament.
Prime Minister Nabbanja stated that Uganda is working to complete several flagship projects by a December 31 deadline. These projects include upgrading Mandela National Stadium, completing Afcon training facilities, expanding Kabalega International Airport, constructing roads serving Hoima City Stadium and surrounding host areas, and finishing the 148-kilometre Busunju–Kiboga–Hoima Road. Uganda’s Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang, indicated that CAF has provided a detailed implementation schedule, leading the government to adopt a comprehensive approach involving various ministries and agencies.
Funding for Uganda’s Afcon commitments has been incorporated into the current financial year, according to Uganda’s Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Henry Musasizi. Uganda has allocated sh905 billion for Afcon preparations in financial year 2026/27. This funding is designated for road upgrades around Hoima and Namboole, stadium works, health and emergency services, security, transport, and tournament logistics and operations. The National Council of Sports has also received sh460.78 billion for other Afcon-related preparations.
In Kenya, the government has allocated $204 million for sports infrastructure, primarily for stadium preparations for Afcon. The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports received $352 million, with $195 million allocated for sports and social development. Additionally, Talanta Sports City, also known as the Raila Odinga International Stadium, has been declared a protected area, restricting public access without prior approval. This 60,000-seat FIFA-standard stadium is under construction at Jamhuri Grounds along Ngong Road in Nairobi and is expected to host matches during the 2027 Afcon.
Tanzania’s Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports has been allocated $200 million, with $175 million earmarked for renovating Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and constructing a new 32,000-seat stadium in Arusha. The regional nature of the tournament means its success will rely on coordination among the three governments in areas such as immigration, transport, health services, security, and customs management. The proposed common visa is seen as a potential lasting legacy, extending the benefits of Afcon beyond football.
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Source: theeastafrican.co.ke
