AFCON 2027: East Africa co-hosts reaffirm ambitions after CAF endorsement

East Africa’s three co-hosts of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2027) have reiterated their determination to deliver a historic tournament, while applauding CAF President Patrice Motsepe for his continued faith in the region’s capability.

CAF delegation is currently meeting a high-level delegation from the PAMOJA Host Nations of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

PAMOJA delegation comprises of Government Ministers, the 3 Presidents from Kenya (Hussein Mohammed), Tanzania… pic.twitter.com/Tmvry5NjbK

— CAF Media (@CAF_Media) April 22, 2026

Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania are set to stage the tournament under the PAMOJA initiative, marking the first time three nations will jointly host the prestigious continental event.

Despite lingering concerns over infrastructure and readiness, CAF leadership has remained confident that the region will rise to the occasion.

That confidence was echoed during a high-level two-day strategic meeting held in Kampala, where key stakeholders convened to assess progress and align on the next phase of preparations.

The gathering brought together government officials, football federation heads, Local Organising Committees, and CAF representatives, with Samson Adamu leading the continental body’s delegation.

Uganda’s State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, used the platform to reaffirm the joint commitment of the three nations, assuring CAF that all necessary support will be provided to meet hosting obligations.

He emphasized that East Africa is determined not only to meet expectations but to set a new benchmark for the competition, pointing to the successful organization of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) as proof of the region’s growing capacity.

“We proved many doubters wrong with CHAN, and we believe AFCON will be even better,” Ogwang noted, expressing confidence in the region’s ability to deliver on its promises.

‘On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Uganda and on my own behalf, I reaffirm our commitment to host AFCON in 2027 in line with the agreement. I assure you that the three governments are committed to providing the resources required to ensure this tournament takes place… pic.twitter.com/tl91povDpe

— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) April 22, 2026

FUFA President Moses Magogo described the joint hosting rights as a transformative moment for East Africa, highlighting its significance beyond football.

He stressed that AFCON 2027 presents an opportunity to deepen regional unity and unlock economic potential through increased tourism and commercial activity.

According to Magogo, the tournament will not only elevate the region’s football profile but also accelerate long-term infrastructure development, addressing challenges that have persisted for years.

Kenya’s football chief Hussein Mohammed echoed similar sentiments, describing the tournament as a platform for East Africa to showcase its capabilities on a global stage. He emphasized the importance of leaving a lasting legacy that will be remembered long after the final whistle.

Meanwhile, Tanzania Football Federation President Wallace Karia credited Motsepe’s unwavering support as a key factor in securing the hosting rights, pledging that the region will not disappoint.

However, CAF has cautioned that the scale of AFCON presents a far greater challenge than previous tournaments. Adamu warned that while CHAN offered valuable experience, AFCON demands significantly higher standards in infrastructure, logistics, and global broadcasting.

He stressed the urgency of timelines, noting that any delays could have serious consequences on readiness.

“Time is moving quickly, and lost time cannot be recovered,” Adamu warned, urging swift implementation of planned projects.

Beyond football, CAF believes AFCON 2027 holds immense economic potential for the region. Adamu highlighted the financial impact of previous tournaments, noting that recent editions have generated substantial revenue for host nations, particularly through tourism.

He called on East Africa to leverage the opportunity to tell its story to the world, emphasizing that the tournament is as much about economic growth as it is about sport.

As preparations intensify, CAF and the host nations agree on one thing the success of this historic three-nation tournament will depend on close collaboration and unwavering commitment.

With expectations rising and time ticking, East Africa’s PAMOJA dream now enters a defining phase.