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David GOMBE
The 2027 version would be the first AFCON ever co-hosted throughout three nations in East Africa that embody Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, marking a historic milestone for continental soccer and for East African tourism. Qualification bulletins are anticipated in September 2026, when 24 groups will likely be confirmed for the match.
Hassan El Kamah, CAF Business Director addressing delegates at POATE, underscored the size of the chance. “Think about three billion tv viewers around the globe seeing your model throughout AFCON matches,” he stated. “That is the facility of AFCON, an unimaginable platform for funding and tourism progress in Uganda.”
El Kamah famous that AFCON has grown into one in every of Africa’s strongest financial platforms. The 2027 version is projected to generate greater than USD 2 billion in mixed financial influence throughout the three host nations.
This determine is in step with the influence recorded at AFCON 2025, which was hosted in Morocco and drew 66,526 spectators on the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat closing, with over 97 million cumulative viewers on beIN Sports activities alone. He additionally spoke to what makes the 2027 version distinctive. “Our President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, at all times says it is going to be the most effective within the historical past of AFCON. Internet hosting three stunning nations like Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania is one thing particular,” El Kamah stated.
El Kamah issued a direct problem to Uganda’s personal sector, urging airways, lodges, tour operators, and expertise suppliers to start positioning now. “The window to construct one thing price visiting is actual,” he stated. “Nevertheless it gained’t keep open ceaselessly.”
With world qualification bulletins anticipated in September 2026 and fan and media consideration set to sharpen significantly from that time, stakeholders throughout hospitality, transport, leisure and infrastructure have a closing window to arrange aggressive, visitor-ready merchandise and experiences.
FUFA Vice President Dr. Taibu Azar captured the nationwide temper with readability. “Soccer has at all times been Uganda’s heartbeat,” she stated. “AFCON 2027 provides us the best stage we now have ever needed to present the world who we aren’t solely as a soccer nation, however as a vacation spot. When these followers arrive, they may discover a nation that’s heat, stunning, and in contrast to anyplace else on the continent. We’re prepared, and we’re excited.”
Dr. Azar confirmed that preparations are accelerating on a number of fronts. “We now have been working with Uganda Tourism Board since final yr to determine methods we are able to diversify our product past wildlife and use this match to drive visibility and entice investments into music, hospitality, tradition, and lots of others,” she stated.
Uganda Tourism Board CEO Juliana Kagwa described AFCON 2027 as “our single greatest tourism advertising alternative in a era.” UTB’s technique centres on extending the customer journey properly past match days, connecting arriving followers to gorilla treks, supply of the Nile, cultural experiences in Kampala, and Uganda’s wider nature and journey providing.
“They arrive for the sport, they keep for the Pearl of Africa,” Kagwa stated, encapsulating the board’s strategy to changing soccer followers into long-stay vacationers. UTB is dedicated to safe vacation spot associate advertising rights of AFCON to place vacation spot Uganda to the globe.
