[wordads]
David GOMBE
The 2027 version would be the first AFCON ever co-hosted throughout three international locations 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 probably be confirmed for the match.
Hassan El Kamah, CAF Industrial Director addressing delegates at POATE, underscored the dimensions of the chance. “Think about three billion tv viewers all over the world seeing your model throughout AFCON matches,” he stated. “That is the ability of AFCON, an unbelievable platform for funding and tourism development in Uganda.”
El Kamah famous that AFCON has grown into considered one of Africa’s strongest financial platforms. The 2027 version is projected to generate greater than USD 2 billion in mixed financial affect throughout the three host nations.
This determine is per the affect 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, all the time says it is going to be the very best within the historical past of AFCON. Internet hosting three lovely international locations like Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania is one thing particular,” El Kamah stated.
El Kamah issued a direct problem to Uganda’s non-public sector, urging airways, motels, tour operators, and expertise suppliers to start positioning now. “The window to construct one thing price visiting is actual,” he stated. “But it surely gained’t keep open without end.”
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 all the time been Uganda’s heartbeat,” she stated. “AFCON 2027 provides us the best stage now we have ever needed to present the world who we’re not solely as a soccer nation, however as a vacation spot. When these followers arrive, they are going to discover a nation that’s heat, lovely, 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’ve got been working with Uganda Tourism Board since final yr to establish methods we are able to diversify our product past wildlife and use this match to drive visibility and appeal to investments into music, hospitality, tradition, and plenty of others,” she stated.
Uganda Tourism Board CEO Juliana Kagwa described AFCON 2027 as “our single greatest tourism advertising and marketing 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 stated, encapsulating the board’s strategy to changing soccer followers into long-stay vacationers. UTB is dedicated to safe vacation spot companion advertising and marketing rights of AFCON to place vacation spot Uganda to the globe.
