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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 will likely be confirmed for the match.

Hassan El Kamah, CAF Business Director addressing delegates at POATE, underscored the dimensions of the chance. “Think about three billion tv viewers world wide seeing your model throughout AFCON matches,” he stated. “That is the facility of AFCON, an unbelievable platform for funding and tourism development in Uganda.”

El Kamah famous that AFCON has grown into one among Africa’s strongest financial platforms. The 2027 version is projected to generate greater than USD 2 billion in mixed financial influence throughout the three host nations.

This determine is in line with the influence recorded at AFCON 2025, which was hosted in Morocco and drew 66,526 spectators on the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat remaining, 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 the perfect within the historical past of AFCON. Internet hosting three stunning international locations like Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania is one thing particular,” El Kamah stated.

El Kamah issued a direct problem to Uganda’s personal sector, urging airways, resorts, tour operators, and expertise suppliers to start positioning now. “The window to construct one thing price visiting is actual,” he stated. “Nevertheless it gained’t keep open eternally.”

With world 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 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 may 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 now have 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 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 technology.” UTB’s technique centres on extending the customer journey nicely 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 associate advertising and marketing rights of AFCON to place vacation spot Uganda to the globe.