With less than a year remaining before the Confederation of African Football (CAF) begins its inspection of venues for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are intensifying efforts to complete vital infrastructure upgrades. The three countries will co-host the tournament for the first time, marking a major milestone for East African football and regional development.

Major Infrastructure Investments Underway

The joint hosting has prompted multi-billion-dollar investments spanning stadium renovations, airports, roads, hotels, and healthcare facilities. Kenya is focusing on enhancing existing venues like the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, expanding seating, upgrading floodlights, and improving media and security systems. Additionally, the Talanta Sports City stadium under construction in Nairobi is set to become a premier venue in East Africa.

Tanzania has upgraded the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam with improved player facilities, broadcasting, and spectator amenities, while continuing enhancements at other venues.

Uganda’s Comprehensive Preparation Strategy

Uganda has prioritized AFCON preparations with a commitment exceeding $608 million. This includes $369 million allocated to sports infrastructure and tournament logistics, and $245.2 million dedicated to complementary projects such as road upgrades, airport improvements, healthcare, and utilities.

President Yoweri Museveni emphasized the tournament as a strategic investment to boost tourism and urban development beyond the event itself. However, calls for transparency have grown louder, with lawmakers demanding regular project audits and detailed expenditure reports to avoid past procurement issues seen in previous major events.

In response to cost inflation concerns, the government dismissed several senior officials linked to questionable contract management. Despite these challenges, officials maintain that all venues and training facilities will be ready by the end of 2026, allowing sufficient time for CAF certification.

Key Venues and Support Facilities Progressing

  • Hoima City Stadium is complete, pending minor defect corrections.
  • Mandela National Stadium is expanding capacity to 45,000 with upgraded VIP and media sections.
  • Eight training grounds across multiple districts are under phased completion schedules.

Beyond stadiums, Uganda is upgrading roads, airport terminals, hotels, and essential services to meet international standards. Efforts include refurbishing hotels in Hoima and Masindi and improving digital, water, and electricity infrastructure.

Regional Integration and Tourism Focus

East African governments are exploring a joint Pamoja Visa and waiving visa fees during AFCON to facilitate seamless travel between host cities. This initiative aims to position the tournament as a catalyst for regional tourism, linking Uganda’s wildlife parks with Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Zanzibar and Serengeti.

Uganda has allocated funds to upgrade hotels to meet CAF accommodation requirements, though this has sparked debate over transparency and public support for private facilities.

Economic and Legacy Impact

AFCON 2027 is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors, boosting airlines, hospitality, and transport sectors. Uganda alone has earmarked $10.2 million to market the country as a tourist destination during the tournament.

Experts believe the tournament’s lasting impact will stem from the improved infrastructure and closer regional cooperation on immigration, security, and transport, potentially setting a new benchmark for East African integration.