Seven facts about EA Pamoja 2027 AFCON bid

On Wednesday, the CAF Executive Committee (Exco) sitting in Cairo, Egypt awarded hosting rights for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to a joint bid bringing together Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania also known as East Africa (EA) Pamoja Bid.

Botswana, Senegal and Algeria were also in contention to host the 36th edition of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) flagship tournament, however, the latter pulled out at the eleventh hour.

If hosted successfully, it will mark 51 years since the tournament was last staged on the East African soil since Ethiopia 1976 edition.

1. EA Pamoja will be the first AFCON co-hosted by three nations. Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, and Nigeria and Ghana have previously staged the event jointly.

2. By virtue of being hosts Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania have all qualified for the EA Pamoja AFCON 2027.

AFCON 2027 is coming to East Africa!

3. EA Pamoja is expected to jointly cost $104 million, approximately Ksh. 15.3 billion - adjusted to 2% annual inflation rate. The money is exclusive of what will be spent to build new and revamp existing sporting infrastructure in the three countries.

4. A total of 10 stadiums will be in use. Tanzania has earmarked Benjamin Mkapa and Uhuru stadiums in the capital Dar Es Salaam, Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar and Arusha Stadium to be newly built in Arusha to host the games. On the other hand Kenya will go with Moi International Sports Centre (Kasarani) and Nyayo stadiums in Nairobi, and Kipchoge Keino Stadium, Eldoret. Meanwhile, Uganda will present Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Kampala and build two more facilities; FUFA Stadium, Hoima City and Akibu Olympic Stadium, Lira City.

East African leaders rejoice after successful AFCON bid

5. EA Pamoja will need a combined total of 36 training grounds to actualise the tournament.

6. Passport holders outside of the East African Community (EAC) attending the EA Pamoja AFCON will receive a visa on arrival.

7. EA Pamoja has capped ticket prices at $5 (Ksh. 740) for the most economical category and $70 (Ksh. 10,360) for hospitality.