The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF), alongside sports ministers and football leaders from Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, has held a high-level kick-off meeting in Kampala to advance preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2027) under the PAMOJA partnership.
The meeting marks a significant step in the planning process for the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the three East African nations.
CAF used the occasion to commend the progress made so far, while emphasising the importance of strong coordination, timely execution, and a unified regional approach to ensure the competition is delivered successfully.
Representatives from the host countries reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with CAF, reviewing several critical areas of preparation.
These include infrastructure development covering stadiums, transport systems, airports, and accommodation. As well as hospitality and fan experience, safety and security, media and broadcast readiness, and governance and financial planning.
Officials agreed on the need to accelerate infrastructure delivery, identifying August 2026 as a key milestone for assessing overall readiness. The timeline is expected to guide implementation across all three nations as they move into the next phase of preparations.
The discussions also highlighted the broader ambitions tied to hosting the tournament. Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda expressed a shared commitment to positioning East Africa as a leading destination for visitors, pointing to opportunities in tourism, investment, and economic growth linked to the event.
A joint governance structure for the Local Organising Committee was endorsed during the meeting, aimed at ensuring effective coordination and decision-making across the three host countries. The structure is expected to streamline communication and enhance efficiency as planning intensifies.
In addition, participants discussed measures to facilitate travel across the region during the tournament. Among the proposals considered was the introduction of a special PAMOJA visa framework, designed to simplify movement between the host nations for teams, officials, and supporters.
CAF reiterated its support for the host countries, stressing its commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that preparations remain on track. The governing body also underlined the importance of collaboration in delivering a tournament that meets international standards.
The Kampala meeting sets the tone for the next phase of planning, with stakeholders focused on translating commitments into tangible progress.
As the countdown to AFCON 2027 continues, attention will centre on infrastructure development, operational readiness, and the ability of the three nations to deliver a seamless and memorable competition.
