East African leaders have set out an ambitious vision for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with organisers aiming to reshape perceptions of the region through a landmark tournament co-hosted by three countries.
Speaking in Kampala on 22 April, Moses Magogo, president of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations, said the competition would go beyond football, positioning East Africa as a premier destination for major sporting events. “Our objective is to make East Africa the best host Africa has ever had,” he said.
The 2027 tournament, scheduled to take place from 19 June to 18 July, will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania under the “Pamoja” initiative — a Swahili word meaning “together”. It will mark the first time in the competition’s history that three nations share hosting duties.
Organisers say the “Pamoja” concept is central to the tournament’s identity, reflecting a broader ambition to strengthen regional cooperation. Officials plan to use the event to connect infrastructure, economies and communities across borders, with football acting as a unifying force.
A key proposal is the introduction of a “Visa Pamoja” system, designed to allow seamless travel between the three host nations for fans, officials and investors. The scheme aims to simplify movement and present the tournament as a single, unified event rather than three separate national efforts.
Magogo linked the initiative to wider political goals within the East African Community, emphasising the role of sport in fostering unity. “This is an opportunity for East Africa and the East African Community… the most beautiful game is being used to bring East Africa together,” he said.
The competition is expected to feature 24 teams and take place across approximately 10 cities, making it one of the most complex sporting events ever staged in the region. The scale of the tournament presents logistical and organisational challenges, particularly given East Africa’s limited experience in hosting events of this magnitude.
However, Magogo acknowledged these concerns while expressing confidence in the region’s capability. He indicated that organisers would rely on guidance from the Confederation of African Football to ensure standards are met and potential pitfalls avoided.
Support from CAF leadership has also been highlighted as a crucial factor in bringing the tournament to East Africa. Patrice Motsepe has advocated for expanding hosting opportunities across the continent, a move that helped secure the 2027 event for the region.
For East Africa, the tournament represents both an opportunity and a test, a chance to demonstrate organisational capability while advancing a vision of regional unity through sport. Organisers believe that if successful, AFCON 2027 could leave a lasting legacy, not only for football but for cooperation and development across the region.
