As the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) approaches, Uganda and Tanzania are gearing up for significant collaboration and competition. Both nations will have the opportunity to showcase their capabilities in 2025 at the AFCON held in Morocco, where they will face off in the same group. This clash serves not only as a precursor to their rivalry but also as a crucial testing ground for their respective teams and infrastructure.
Preparation for AFCON 2027
The upcoming tournament is an essential platform for both Uganda and Tanzania to assess their readiness and competitiveness on a continental level. Participating in the 2025 AFCON allows them to demonstrate organizational capacities to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and potential sponsors. The performances of both teams will be pivotal in attracting funding and support for their preparations leading up to 2027.
Investment and Infrastructure Development
Both countries are making substantial investments to enhance their sporting facilities. Uganda’s preparations include a proposed budget allocation of 379 billion UGX for AFCON preparations, as presented by James Kubeketerya, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Sports. Key budget items include:
- 28 billion UGX for stadium renovations
- 5.3 billion UGX for the national team’s international preparations
- 39 billion UGX for upgrading the Phillip Omondi Stadium
In contrast, Tanzania has allocated nearly 520 billion TZS (approximately 195 million Euros) for sports infrastructure in the 2025-2026 national budget, with a significant portion dedicated to new stadium constructions. Notable projects include:
- Arusha Sports Stadium: 286 billion TZS, capacity of 30,000 seats
- Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium: 112 million TZS, also in Arusha
- Dodoma Stadium: over 135 billion TZS
Shared Goals and Regional Cooperation
The AFCON 2027 will be a unique collaboration involving Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya under the initiative named “Pamoja,” meaning “together” in Swahili. This partnership aims to efficiently share resources, from finances to logistics, while enhancing the customer experience for fans. Such cooperation embodies a vision that extends beyond merely hosting the tournament.
Challenges do exist, including coordinating construction schedules across three countries and ensuring compliance with CAF regulations. The recent Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) co-hosted by these nations highlighted some logistical inefficiencies, paving the way for improvements in communication and cross-border coordination.
Socio-Economic Impact on East Africa
The efforts to prepare for AFCON will bring more than just sports. These projects aim to generate jobs, boost local economies, and modernize urban infrastructure. The anticipated construction push is supported by international partnerships, including the involvement of the China Railway Construction Engineering Group in Tanzania.
As the world focuses on the current AFCON in Morocco, Uganda and Tanzania are setting their sights on hosting a remarkable tournament in 2027. Their combined vision and substantial investments show that East Africa is ready to step into the international spotlight, showcasing its potential as an emerging sporting destination.
