EAST AFRICA – Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania have reaffirmed their commitment to delivering a successful Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, as the three East African hosts intensify preparations for the continental tournament.
The three countries reviewed their readiness during a high-level meeting of the PAMOJA Oversight Council and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on August 25, 2026.
Kenya was represented by Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya, who joined his counterparts from Uganda and Tanzania to assess preparations and agree on the next phase of tournament delivery.
The meeting was chaired by CAF Acting General Secretary Samson Adamu and brought together CAF officials, sports ministers from the three host nations, presidents of the respective CAF member associations, Local Organising Committee (LOC) chairpersons and chief executive officers, principal secretaries and other senior officials.
PAMOJA visa framework takes centre stage
One of the key issues discussed was the proposed PAMOJA Visa Framework, which is expected to facilitate movement across the three host countries during AFCON 2027.
Mvurya and his counterparts assured CAF that their respective governments were committed to advancing and operationalising the framework.
Each host nation has assessed the requirements within its jurisdiction and committed to taking the necessary steps towards implementation.
The framework is intended to make cross-border travel easier for fans, participating teams, officials, accredited media, sponsors, suppliers and other tournament stakeholders.
It will also provide for immigration and customs facilitation for tournament-related goods and equipment moving between Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
For Kenya, the framework is expected to complement ongoing efforts to facilitate entry and movement of African visitors while strengthening regional mobility ahead of the tournament.
Kenya reports progress on stadium upgrades
The meeting also reviewed infrastructure preparations, with Kenya receiving a positive assessment on progress made so far.
The government said the country continues to upgrade and develop stadiums, training grounds and other supporting infrastructure required for the tournament.
Mvurya welcomed recommendations arising from CAF’s ongoing assessment and inspection programme and reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to addressing outstanding requirements within the stipulated timelines.
The government is expected to ensure that the country’s tournament facilities comply with CAF standards before the competition begins.
The preparations come as Kenya accelerates work on its major sporting facilities, including stadiums that will host matches and training activities during the tournament.
Three nations commit to joint delivery
The three governments also reaffirmed their determination to deliver what they described as a successful, memorable and transformational PAMOJA AFCON 2027.
The hosts said the tournament would be anchored on stronger coordination, disciplined implementation and a shared commitment to excellence.
The joint approach will include coordinated decision-making, a unified tournament identity and collective mechanisms for addressing emerging challenges.
AFCON 2027 expected to boost East Africa
Beyond football, the three governments view AFCON 2027 as an opportunity to promote East Africa as a competitive destination for tourism, investment and major international events.
The tournament is also expected to strengthen regional integration while creating new opportunities for businesses and communities across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
The governments further expect investments in sporting and supporting infrastructure to provide long-term economic and social benefits after the tournament.
The PAMOJA AFCON 2027 preparations are therefore moving into a critical phase, with the host nations expected to continue working closely with CAF to address infrastructure, mobility, logistics and other tournament requirements ahead of the continental showpiece.
