AFCON 2027: CAF Host Tasks in East Africa!

Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda must complete their preparations for hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in about nine months, which the President of CAF Patrice Motsepe said were behind schedule, but ruled out the need for any alternative hosts.

The event is expected to take place between June 19 and July 17, 2027, and will mark the first AFCON ever hosted by the three East African nations as part of the PAMOJA project. Motsepe has described this as “an emergency,” but assured that CAF will help resolve the remaining issues with the three countries.

Most importantly, Motsepe has dismissed claims that CAF might look for an alternative host, insisting there is no Plan B and Plan C.

What Is Still to Be Sorted Out?

CAF’s inspections have involved more than just checking the progress of stadium construction.

As part of the eight-day inspection done early September, CAF teams inspected stadiums, training grounds, hotels, airports, transport, safety and security, media centers and logistics in the three countries.

The previous findings of the inspection revealed some delays and gaps that needed sorting out, especially those pertaining to infrastructure and stadium preparations.

The important areas are:

Stadiums: Stadium construction, renovation and completion should be up to the mark according to CAF’s requirements.
Training Grounds: Pitch and other facilities for training should be completed.
Accommodation: Team and match officials, CAF members and fans need suitable accommodations near the venue of the tournament.
Transport: Airports and road networks are required for the mobility of the teams and match officials and fans.
Safety and Security: Host countries should ensure proper safety and security measures for stadiums, training grounds and the tournament as a whole.
Services: Medical and operational needs have to be met.

The roadmap of CAF for May clearly asked for rapid development of stadiums and infrastructure, confirmation of venues, cross border mobility, safety and security and medical services.

What is the Status of the Three Nations?

It is evident that there has been a difference in the progress in the host nations.

According to Uganda’s local organizing committee, the three stadiums that are under development, which include Mandela National Stadium, Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium, and Hoima City Stadium, are expected to be completed by the end of December 2026. Uganda has also made progress in its training grounds, although it is expected that two more grounds will take until January 2027 to be ready.

For Kenya, the new stadium with a capacity of 60,000 people known as Talanta Stadium has been inspected by the CAF together with training grounds, hotels, and airport facilities. It has also been noted in the local press that work is still ongoing at the Kasarani Stadium and other infrastructures.

There have also been fast-paced developments in the training grounds of Tanzania. In August, Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba ordered the speeding up of the construction process to meet CAF requirements.

Steps for CAF Going Forward

CAF is continuing the process of inspections and direct coordination with the three governments and local organising committees. The tour by Motsepe in September has covered Tanzania and Kenya and will include further discussions with Uganda.

These inspections are meant to point out any areas still in need of improvement and not indicate that the hosting rights are being revoked.

These three countries are thus moving into the toughest stage of preparation. With the tournament less than a year away, construction, testing and planning must happen concurrently.