Table of Contents
- The 2027 AFCON East Africa could be the most profitable tournament in African football history
- For the first time, three nations – Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda- will jointly stage the continent’s biggest football tournament
- Experts reveal that the co-hosting bid by the three East African countries will promote more commercial partnerships and ticket sales
As the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 nears an end, football experts predict that the 2027 AFCON East Africa could be the most profitable tournament in African football history.
For the first time, three nations – Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda– will jointly stage the continent’s biggest football tournament.
Judging from CHAN, the three host countries are ready for the assignment. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) used CHAN 2024 as a litmus test for the 2027 AFCON.
Beyond the preparedness, the event, CAF is looking at huge profits from this tournament.
What Makes 2027 AFCON East Africa Profitable?
Experts reveal that the co-hosting bid by the three East African countries will promote more commercial partnerships and ticket sales.
Rogers Byamukama, a board member of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) noted that 2027 AFCON East Africa roots for a broader fan experience.
A past AFCON final. Photo/Sporting News
Byamukama told BBC Sport Africa that the three-nation format guarantees at least nine sold-out home games across the three countries.
This is a major leap in ticket sales compared to the number of tickets sold when only one country is hosting the tournament.
He pointed out that the 2027 football tournament will be CAF’s most profitable event. While East Africa’s opportunity is historic, it also comes with its own challenges.
Before CHAN 2024, stadium readiness was a pain point that CAF pushed the three host countries to address in the run-up to the 2024 African Nations Championship.
The respective governments pledged to address all critical infrastructural issues raised, and they did.
Each country has two stadiums meeting CAF infrastructural and safety standards. Among them is their capacity to accommodate at least 40,000 people for the 2027 AFCON East Africa event.
How Much Does it Cost to Host AFCON?
Senegal Under-20 team playin in AFCON 2025. Photo/OnzedAfrrik
CAF demands host nations deposit a guarantee fee as a commitment fee. The three East African hosts jointly deposited $90 million to CAF as a booking fee for the 2027 AFCON East Africa.
Each country contributed $30 million. Byamukama admitted that no single country in the region could have met such obligations alone, which makes the joint hosting arrangement viable.
This pre-paid guarantee is designed to avoid past problems where hosts such as Guinea (2025) and Cameroon (2019) lost their rights due to inadequate preparations.
Tanzanian, Ugandan and Kenyan governments are financially ready for the tournament. They will recoup the tournament expenses through expected returns from tourism and commercial sponsorships.
Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda have a combined population of over 162 million people who, besides supporting AFCON, will go heavy on tourism.
This is a win for both CAF and the host countries.
Which Stadium Will AFCON 2027 Be Played at?
Harambee Stars fans at the Kasarani Stadium where Kenya won 1-0 against DR Congo in their CHAN24 opening match. Photo/Harambee Stars
Kenya will have three stadiums in place for the big tournament. They include Talanta Stadium and the recently renovated Nyayo Stadium, and the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Uganda’s Mandela National Stadium will host all AFCON matches, while Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Tanzania will host the rest of the matches.
One of the biggest selling points of a three-nation Afcon is the unique travel experience it offers supporters.
