The East African Region has successfully secured the hosting rights for the 2027 African Nations Cup (AFCON). The announcement was made by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Wednesday.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe commended the dedication and determination displayed by the presidents of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in their joint bid, emphasizing the region’s eagerness to host this prestigious football event.

East Africa’s bid, named “Pamoja,” a Kiswahili word meaning “together as one,” triumphed over competing bids from Egypt, Senegal, and Botswana, with Algeria withdrawing from the race just prior to the announcement.

The Pamoja EA Bid embodied the collective aspirations of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania to bring the continent’s premier football competition to their shores. This collaborative effort aimed to showcase the untapped potential and unwavering enthusiasm of East African nations, promising a fresh perspective and a unique backdrop for the prestigious tournament.

In their bid, Kenya proposed Nyayo Stadium, Kasarani Stadium, and Kipchoge Keino Stadium as potential venues, while Uganda presented Mandela National Stadium (Namboole) as one of its host stadiums. Tanzania, on the other hand, counted on Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, Chamazi Complex, and CCM Kirumba Stadium.

Ugandan President Museveni recently expressed the country’s commitment to constructing additional stadiums to complement Namboole’s facilities. Eng. Moses Magogo, President of the Ugandan Football Association (FUFA), affirmed that the East African region possesses the necessary resources to host AFCON in 2027, underscoring the strong support of the three national football federations and their respective governments for the Pamoja bid, both financially and politically.