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David GOMBE
The 2027 version would be the first AFCON ever co-hosted throughout three international locations in East Africa that embrace 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 can be confirmed for the event.
Hassan El Kamah, CAF Business Director addressing delegates at POATE, underscored the dimensions of the chance. “Think about three billion tv viewers around the globe seeing your model throughout AFCON matches,” he mentioned. “That is the ability of AFCON, an unbelievable platform for funding and tourism development in Uganda.”
El Kamah famous that AFCON has grown into one in all Africa’s strongest financial platforms. The 2027 version is projected to generate greater than USD 2 billion in mixed financial impression throughout the three host nations.
This determine is in step with the impression recorded at AFCON 2025, which was hosted in Morocco and drew 66,526 spectators on the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat last, 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 will likely be one of the best within the historical past of AFCON. Internet hosting three stunning international locations like Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania is one thing particular,” El Kamah mentioned.
El Kamah issued a direct problem to Uganda’s non-public sector, urging airways, accommodations, tour operators, and expertise suppliers to start positioning now. “The window to construct one thing value visiting is actual,” he mentioned. “Nevertheless it gained’t keep open endlessly.”
With international 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 mentioned. “AFCON 2027 offers us the best stage we’ve got 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 are going to discover a nation that’s heat, stunning, and in contrast to wherever else on the continent. We’re prepared, and we’re excited.”
Dr. Azar confirmed that preparations are accelerating on a number of fronts. “We’ve been working with Uganda Tourism Board since final 12 months to determine methods we are able to diversify our product past wildlife and use this event to drive visibility and entice investments into music, hospitality, tradition, and lots of others,” she mentioned.
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 effectively 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 mentioned, encapsulating the board’s strategy to changing soccer followers into long-stay vacationers. UTB is dedicated to safe vacation spot accomplice advertising rights of AFCON to place vacation spot Uganda to the globe.
