AFCON 2027: East Africa’s Pamoja Bid Wins Hosting Rights

The joint bid known as the “Pamoja Bid” from East Africa has emerged victorious in securing the hosting rights for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, platinumnewsng.com is reporting.

This announcement was made by CAF President Patrice Motsepe following the executive committee meeting held in Cairo, Egypt.

Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, collectively, embarked on this endeavour along with Algeria, Nigeria-Benin, Egypt, and Botswana. Initially, Namibia partnered with Botswana but later withdrew, leaving Botswana as the sole bidder from Southern Africa. Zambia and Burkina Faso had expressed interest but did not formally submit their bid books.

The East African consortium triumphed over Nigeria-Benin, Egypt, Senegal, and Botswana (who withdrew two days before the official announcement) to secure the hosting rights. Consequently, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania won the rights for the 2027 edition as the hosts.

Motsepe expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “The 2027 edition is going to be beautiful. The commitment and drive demonstrated by the three presidents of these countries showcase the region’s eagerness to host this event.”

Within their bid, Kenya emphasized enhancements to the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi. Kipchoge Keino Stadium was part of their proposal.

CAF’s requirements dictate that host countries or joint hosts must have venues in proximity to an airport, a level five hospital, and a five-star hotel. Six stadiums are needed to accommodate the 24 participating teams.

Cameroon, the 2021 Afcon hosts, used six venues, including new stadiums with seating capacities of 60,000, 50,000, and 20,000 in four cities. The cost of stadium renovation, new construction, and infrastructure such as hotels, airports, and roads in Cameroon was estimated at $885 million.

Also, CAF mandates that each host country/countries have at least three training grounds near match venues meeting CAF standards. Stadiums must install turnstiles at all gates, CCTV monitors, an OB van area, and a VAR operation room.

Although Kenya won bids to host the 1996 Afcon edition and the 2018 Africa Nations Championship finals, they were subsequently stripped of the rights due to unreadiness of several venues. Uganda is still awaiting the completion of the Teryet High Altitude Training Centre, promised by President Museveni 13 years ago.

Asides Sudan’s and Ethiopia, no other CECAFA country has hosted the biennial competition. Sudan hosted the first Afcon edition in 1957 and again in 1970, while Ethiopia hosted in 1962, 1968, and 1976.

This marks the first time three nations will jointly host the tournament.