Eight-day assessment reviews stadiums, training facilities, hotels, airports and operational infrastructure as East Africa prepares to host AFCON 2027.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has completed an extensive eight-day inspection mission across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania as preparations accelerate for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027. The inspection forms part of CAF’s broader programme to assess the readiness of the three East African hosts ahead of the continent’s flagship football tournament.
The tournament will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from 19 June to 17 July 2027, marking the return of the Africa Cup of Nations to East Africa for the first time in more than five decades. The three countries are preparing to welcome 24 national teams, supporters, broadcasters, sponsors and football officials from across Africa and beyond.
CAF Reviews Key Tournament Infrastructure
The inspection brought together senior representatives from several CAF departments, including Competitions, Safety and Security, Transport, Marketing, Media, Television and Logistics. Officials worked closely with representatives from the governments of the three host countries and their respective Local Organising Committees.
In Kenya, the CAF delegation inspected the newly constructed 60,000-capacity Talanta Stadium in Nairobi, one of the major venues expected to play an important role during the tournament.
The assessment also covered training facilities, hotels designated for teams and match officials, airport infrastructure and other sites that will support the tournament’s operations in Nairobi.
The inspections are intended to identify areas requiring further development while ensuring that infrastructure and services meet CAF’s operational and technical expectations.
Uganda and Tanzania Continue Preparations
The inspection mission subsequently moved to Uganda and Tanzania, where CAF officials evaluated several important facilities.
In Uganda, the delegation assessed the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, alongside training facilities, hotels, airport infrastructure and other supporting sites.
Tanzania was also assessed, with the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam among the facilities inspected. CAF’s review extended beyond stadiums to include training grounds, accommodation, airports and wider infrastructure required to support teams and spectators during the competition.
The comprehensive approach reflects the scale of hosting a tournament that will operate across three countries. Effective coordination between the host nations will be critical to managing transportation, accommodation, security, media operations and matchday logistics.
Building on CHAN 2024 Experience
Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are not starting from scratch. The three countries previously worked together to host the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, giving their organising teams valuable experience in managing a major continental football event.
CAF said the experience gained from the CHAN tournament provides an important foundation as the three nations prepare for the considerably larger AFCON competition.
Representatives from the Local Organising Committees have also benefited from an observer mission at the recent AFCON in Morocco. The programme provided them with practical exposure to stadium management, security operations, media coordination and matchday delivery.
A Major Opportunity for East Africa
The PAMOJA 2027 tournament represents more than a football competition for the three host countries. It is expected to provide an opportunity to showcase East Africa’s sporting infrastructure, tourism potential and hospitality capabilities to a global audience.
CAF is also encouraging businesses and suppliers from Africa and around the world to participate in procurement opportunities connected to the tournament. The governing body has highlighted the need for experienced partners capable of delivering services to consistent standards across all three host nations.
With the latest inspection now completed, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania enter another important phase of preparations. CAF will continue technical engagements and inspections as the hosts work to address outstanding requirements and ensure that the tournament’s facilities and operations are ready.
For East African football, the countdown to PAMOJA 2027 is becoming increasingly tangible. With less than a year before the tournament begins, the three host nations are working toward delivering an AFCON that meets international standards while creating a lasting legacy for football and sports development across the region.
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