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"Now that the Pamoja Bid is a reality, what next for East Africa?" The answer lies in seizing this moment, building world-class facilities, ensuring a smooth logistical operation, and creating an unforgettable AFCON experience.
In the cradle of mankind, where civilizations were born and wildlife flourishes, a monumental moment is being fashioned.
East Africa emerged victorious in the bid to host the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027.
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This will be the first time the region hosts an international sporting event of that magnitude in history. It is also the first time the East and Central Africa (CECAFA) football zone hosts the tournament in 47 years since Ethiopia hosted it in 1976.
The CECAFA region seemed to have been a forgotten part of Africa. After hosting five of the opening 10 AFCONs, including the inaugural edition in 1957 in Sudan, the tournament has been to the West, South and Northern Africa but not East Africa.
Not even the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the newest member and the bloc’s most successful AFCON campaigner, has hosted it.
But DRC has bagged the title twice—in 1968 and 1974.
Having the Pamoja bid becoming a reality marks a new chapter in the region's sporting history and has ignited a wave of excitement and anticipation among football enthusiasts and policymakers alike.
But as the celebrations subside, the crucial question that looms large is, "Now that the Pamoja Bid is a reality, what next for East Africa?"
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Like all other historic findings, the journey to winning the AFCON bid began with a bold idea—a vision of East Africa hosting the continent's most celebrated football tournament.
It was a dream that captured the hearts and minds of not only football enthusiasts but also leaders and policymakers in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The decision to pool resources and efforts was a strategic one. While individually the three countries might have faced challenges in competing with the financial and infrastructural capabilities of larger African nations, together, they presented a compelling case.
The fact that the frontline workers behind the bid were able to get the commitment from all the three Presidents, William Ruto (Kenya), Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) and Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania) was the perfect game changer.
As the three heads of state preached regional integration, the Pamoja Bid presented the best way to show the East African spirit of togetherness and the belief that their region could host a world-class football tournament.
Months of meticulous planning, lobbying, and dedication culminated in a moment of triumph on Wednesday.
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When the Confederation of African Football [CAF] president Patrice Motsepe who had promised ‘to support the idea of a regional AFCON’ announced that the Pamoja Bid had been awarded the hosting rights for AFCON 2027.
Jubilation swept through the East African nations. The conference room where the dignitaries from the six nations that had placed their bids awaited the announcement was turned into a mini students stand at the St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.
It was a dream realized for the region, and it signaled a turning point in their sports history.
Moses Magogo, one of the key figures behind the bid and the President of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa), expressed his elation.
“Hello Uganda, hello East Africa,” he teased via his X handle, “Let's get ready to welcome Africa to our beautiful part of Africa.”
For Magogo personally, it was vindication to the naysayers who had labelled his advocacy for the bid ‘as a pipe dream’ – must hurt to be Eng. Ben Missagga now.
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06:28 - 31.05.2023
BEN MISAGGA Uganda’s 2027 Afcon bid could be a pipe dream
The Pamoja joint bid is up against other bids from Algeria, Botswana and Egypt.
"Am humbled, pressured that the dream has come true, it is one to take Uganda to Afcon, to bring Afcon to Uganda and we have archived both."
For Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Nick Mwendwa, it’s now time for EAC to show the world what they are made of.
Mwendwa said: “Winning the bid is the first step, it’s a simple step, it’s complicated, we’ve fought through to win on top of the pile, but it’s not to be celebrated yet. The work begins now.
But where exactly does the work begin for East Africa? One of the immediate questions that arose with the bid victory was the financial commitment required.
The estimated budget for hosting the tournament stands at an estimated UGX 309 billion [USD 87 million], with a mandatory deposit of at least UGX 77.4 billion to be made to the CAF by January 2025.
While these figures are substantial, they represent an investment that is expected to yield significant returns.
The economic impact of hosting AFCON extends far beyond the initial investment. It's a fact that the tournament has the potential to inject a substantial boost into East Africa's economy.
To draw context, the Kenyan government invested kshs 1.4 billion into th 2023 Safari Rally, and through tourism and other incomes generated USD 456.5 million ( UGX 1.62 trillion).
For the AFCON, the month long bonanza and fanfare is definitely expected to generate way more income and over a susbstantially longer period of time.
With teams, officials, and fans traveling to different host cities, transportation infrastructure will see a surge in activity. Roads, airports and perhaps the East Africa Standard Guage Railway will have to be upgraded to accommodate the influx of visitors.
In particular, the revival of water travel networks over Lake Victoria is a promising development.
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Kisumu Port, which was once dormant, has been revitalized, facilitating trade with Uganda's Port Bell marking one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the region in over a century.
The 2027 AFCON can also be the opportunity to accomplish the long admired but yet to be delivered open East African skies, facilitating direct flights within the region.
The tournament is not just about football; it's an opportunity to showcase the beauty and culture of East Africa to the world.
Tourists are expected to flock to the region, exploring its diverse landscapes, wildlife, and vibrant cities. The economic impact will extend to the hospitality industry, including hotels, restaurants, and tour operators.
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Beyond the tournament itself, East Africa will have a lasting legacy of improved sporting venues, infrastructure, and enhanced transport systems.
These developments will benefit the region for years to come, positioning it as a hub for future sports and cultural events.
To ensure the success of the tournament, significant investments are being made in sports facilities and infrastructure.
Four years away from the start of the tournament, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are undertaking renovations, upgrades, and even the construction of new venues.
The goal is to provide players, fans, and officials with world-class facilities that meet international standards.
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In Kenya, for instance, the journey towards modernizing sports facilities began well before the bid was won.
Key stadiums like Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi have already undergone improvements.
These upgrades include reliable lighting systems, public address systems, and giant screens.
The Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, located just over 300 kilometres from the capital, Nairobi, has been identified as another option.
In Uganda, the upgrading of the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole is nearing completion, and new venues are set to be built in Hoima and Lira.
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Denver Godwin (Garuga), St. Mary’s Kitende, and Nakivubo have been earmarked as the stadiums to host matches as well as training sessions for teams.
Meanwhile, Tanzania is refurbishing the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, with president Suluhu giving directive for construction of two new venues in Arusha and Dodoma.
The Chamazi Complex, home to Azam FC, the CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza, and venues in Zanzibar, offer additional options for hosting matches and training sessions.
While the excitement is palpable, it's essential to address the challenges that come with hosting a major tournament of this scale.
Security, logistics, and creating an enabling political environment are areas of great concern. The eve of the tournament in 2026 will play a crucial role on the region’s political scene.
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Tanzania will go to the polls in 2025, Kenya and Uganda go to polls in 2026, and it is now prevalent that the political scene will be determined by the AFCON goodies to win the votes.
East Africa, like any other region, faces security challenges, and hosting a major international event requires meticulous planning and coordination.
Ensuring the safety of players, officials, and fans is non-negotiable.
Hosting a tournament that spans multiple cities and venues requires seamless coordination in transportation, accommodation, and event management.
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The goal is to provide a hassle-free experience for everyone involved.
With the bid secured, attention now turns to the preparations leading up to the tournament in 2027. A clear timeline must be established, with key milestones and activities outlined.
Four years may seem like a long time, but in the context of hosting a major sporting event, it's a tight schedule.
The preparations involve multiple facets, from finalizing stadium upgrades to organizing fan engagement activities.
The goal is to ensure that every aspect of the tournament is meticulously planned and executed through the journey to AFCON 2027.
The East African Community (EAC) has long championed regional integration, and hosting AFCON serves as a powerful example of what can be accomplished through collective effort.
The tournament is an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic ties, boost trade, and foster cultural exchanges within the region.
The Pamoja Bid, once a dream, is now a reality, and the region has an incredible opportunity ahead.
"Now that the Pamoja Bid is a reality, what next for East Africa?" The answer lies in seizing this moment, building world-class facilities, ensuring a smooth logistical operation, and creating an unforgettable AFCON experience.
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