Africa-Press – Kenya. The curtains have come down on the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, but for East Africa, the show is just beginning.
With CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe formally handing over the Afcon flag to Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, the region now holds the mantle of responsibility.
Afcon 2027 is more than a football tournament—it is a chance to showcase East Africa on the continental stage and leave a legacy that stretches far beyond the final whistle.
This is a historic moment. Never before has Africa witnessed a tournament jointly hosted by three nations, and never before has East Africa held such an opportunity to demonstrate its organisational capacity, passion and unity.
The “Pamoja” banner, meaning together, must now become more than a slogan. It must guide every decision, every investment and every step taken in the run-up to 2027.
The three host nations must ensure that preparations leave nothing to chance. Stadiums must meet international standards, training facilities must be world-class, transport and accommodation networks must be seamless, and security must guarantee the safety of players, officials and fans alike.
The region cannot afford delays, oversights or half measures. The eyes of CAF, African football fans, and the global sporting community will be watching closely.
Afcon 2027 also offers an unparalleled economic opportunity. Tourism, hospitality, transport, and retail sectors will benefit if the tournament is delivered professionally.
Local businesses can tap into a surge of visitors and heightened domestic spending. Cities will be placed on the international map, attracting investment and showcasing East Africa’s potential. But these gains will only materialise if planning starts now, is coordinated effectively across borders, and is executed with precision.
Equally important is sporting preparation. The national teams of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania must rise to the occasion. Playing on home soil brings a unique responsibility. Fans will expect performances that reflect national pride and the unity symbolised by “Pamoja.”
Administrators, coaches, and players must ensure that squads are prepared to compete at the highest level. While infrastructure can impress, results on the pitch inspire, unify, and cement a nation’s reputation in football.
East Africa’s recent experience co-hosting the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) provides a blueprint, but AFCON is on a different magnitude. CHAN highlighted the region’s organisational capabilities, fan engagement, and football passion.
Afcon 2027 will be bigger, the spotlight brighter, and the margin for error smaller. Every detail—from ticketing and fan zones to media coverage and broadcast facilities—must be flawless. Success in 2027 requires learning from CHAN while scaling up to meet AFCON’s demands.
The “Pamoja” ethos must extend beyond planning and infrastructure. Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania must act as one unit. Coordination between the three governments, football federations, and local authorities is vital.
Any fragmentation will be magnified under the continental spotlight, and failure to work together could undermine the tournament before it even begins. Beyond the immediate tournament, Afcon 2027 presents a chance to leave a lasting legacy. Investments in stadiums, roads, and public facilities can benefit communities for years to come.
Football development programs can nurture future generations, while increased global visibility can attract investment and tourism long after the final match. The region must seize the opportunity to turn a football event into a transformational experience for East Africa.
The baton has been passed. East Africa now has the stage, the opportunity, and the responsibility. The eyes of the continent are on Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. There is no room for complacency.
The tournament must be planned and executed meticulously, with all infrastructure, logistics, and sporting preparations completed well before kickoff. Anything less would be a disservice to the region’s football fans and the generations that will look back on 2027 as a defining moment.
Afcon 2027 is East Africa’s chance to prove its capability, showcase its talent, and leverage a sporting event into economic and social gains.
The journey begins now. Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania must rise to the challenge, ensure that everything is in place, and make the continent proud. This is more than football—it is East Africa’s moment to shine.
