By LT

With the first-ever Africa Cup of Nations to be jointly hosted in East Africa, the 2027 Pamoja AFCON—set to take place in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania—the impact of the tournament is expected to extend well beyond the competition itself.

In Nairobi, the Kenyan government has constructed the ultra-modern Talanta City Stadium, which will be renamed Raila Odinga International Stadium. In Uganda, the Mandela National Stadium has been refurbished to meet international standards, while Hoima Stadium has been newly built, contributing to a significant upgrade in sports infrastructure.

Tanzania, however, has made notable investments, particularly in Zanzibar, where a tourism and sports complex is being developed along the Indian Ocean. The country has emerged as a key financial contributor to the Pamoja initiative, mobilising nearly $195 million for sports infrastructure in the 2025–2026 fiscal year, including about $67 million dedicated to stadium construction and renovation.

A major highlight is the $150 million Afcon City project in Fumba on Unguja Island. The development is designed to position Zanzibar as a leading sports tourism destination, with infrastructure aimed at supporting both the tournament and long-term economic activity.

The complex will include modern training pitches, a 5,000-seat indoor arena, a 150-room four-star hotel, a 100-bed specialised sports hospital, and a small passenger port to facilitate the movement of fans and tourists.

According to Zanzibar’s Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Riziki Pembe Juma, teams scheduled to play in Zanzibar will utilise training facilities at the New Amaan Complex and the Suluhu Academy.

The government has indicated that the project is intended to serve broader purposes beyond sports, positioning it as a major tourism attraction to strengthen Zanzibar’s global profile.

Minister Juma noted that local residents and entrepreneurs are expected to benefit from business opportunities generated by the development, which is projected to contribute to economic growth, job creation, and increased investment.

Unlike infrastructure projects that remain underutilised after major events, the Zanzibar development is designed for continuous use, hosting concerts, conferences, and various sporting activities throughout the year. The initiative forms part of Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050.

Vision 2050 is a 25-year national strategy aimed at transforming Tanzania into a $1 trillion economy with upper-middle-income status by 2050. Launched by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the plan prioritises industrialisation, digital transformation, improved living standards, and climate resilience, with implementation scheduled to begin on July 1, 2026.

Legacy beyond 2027

The Afcon City project is expected to support long-term economic growth through job creation, foreign investment, and the expansion of Zanzibar’s tourism sector into sports tourism.

The increased global attention on East and Central Africa is also likely to boost regional tourism, with international visitors travelling across borders. Although Zambia is not a host nation, the tournament’s legacy is expected to benefit the broader CECAFA region through developments in infrastructure, tourism, and football.

The Zanzibar hub is expected to attract fans from countries such as Zambia and Malawi, contributing to tourism revenue within the host region.

Beyond the tournament, AFCON 2027 presents an opportunity for socio-economic transformation in East Africa. Infrastructure development is projected to generate employment, stimulate growth in hospitality, transport, and service industries, and enhance the appeal of cities such as Arusha, Hoima, and Kampala.

With support from international partnerships and continental media exposure, the region aims to strengthen its position within African football. Following Morocco’s example in 2025, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are expected to deliver a well-coordinated and sustainable tournament in 2027.

Odindo Ayieko is a Nairobi-based sports journalist with over 20 years of experience covering African sports, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, and the 2001 and 2015 All-Africa Games in Abuja and Brazzaville, among other events.