East African nations are preparing to host the AFCON 2027 tournament by embarking on significant stadium construction projects. Uganda has commenced the construction of the multi-million Hoima Stadium, aiming to complete it within 18 months, with a deadline of December 2025. The project is overseen by the Ministry of Works and Transport, in collaboration with the Africa Cup of Nations Sub-Committee on Infrastructure. This effort is part of a broader initiative, as Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania plan to distribute the tournament matches among themselves.
Kenya is also making strides in stadium construction with the development of a 60,000-seater sports complex. This facility will feature advanced technology, including top-level TV broadcast capabilities, VAR, and goal-line technology, ensuring it meets international standards. Meanwhile, Tanzania is building a modern football stadium in Arusha, undertaken by the China Railway Construction Engineering Group (CRCEG), a company with extensive experience in the region.
The Hoima Stadium project in Uganda highlights the urgency and scale of preparations required to host such a prestigious event. It is part of a larger regional effort to elevate the standard of football infrastructure. The Talanta Stadium in Kenya, spearheaded by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), and the Arusha stadium in Tanzania, signify the region’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities. These projects are not just about meeting the requirements of AFCON 2027 but also about leaving a lasting legacy for football in East Africa.
The construction of these stadiums marks a significant milestone for East Africa, which last hosted the AFCON tournament in 1976. The new stadiums are expected to provide world-class amenities and boost the region’s football profile. Currently, Kenya is the only nation among the three without a CAF or FIFA-approved stadium, but ongoing projects aim to change that narrative.
In summary, East Africa’s investment in football infrastructure, with projects like the Hoima Stadium in Uganda, the Talanta Stadium in Kenya, and the modern stadium in Arusha, Tanzania, underscores the region’s commitment to hosting AFCON 2027 and elevating the standard of football across the continent.
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