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The curtain fell on AFCON 2025 in Morocco with a symbolic and historic gesture, the official handover of the CAF flag to the joint hosts of the 2027 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, collectively known as the PAMOJA nations.

The ceremony, held in Rabat after the final, marked the formal transition of hosting duties from Morocco to East Africa. Representing the three nations were Tanzania Football Federation President Wallace Karia, Football Kenya Federation President Mohammed Hussein, and FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim.

Senior government leaders from across the region were also present to witness the milestone. Uganda’s State Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, Tanzania’s Minister of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Hon. Paul Makonda, and Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi joined the ceremony, underscoring the political goodwill behind the regional project.

The Birth of the PAMOJA Bid

The East African hosting dream was born out of a shared regional vision, one built on unity, infrastructure development, and the desire to elevate football standards across the region. Under the banner “Pamoja,” a Swahili word meaning “together,” Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania presented a united front in their bid to host the continent’s flagship football tournament.

In September 2023, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee officially awarded the 2027 AFCON hosting rights to the three East African nations, marking the first time in history that the tournament would be staged in the CECAFA region. 

The PAMOJA proposal highlighted upgraded and newly constructed stadiums across the three countries, improved transport networks, cross-border collaboration, and government guarantees aimed at delivering a seamless tournament. 

Key venues earmarked include Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums in Nairobi, and Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, alongside newly developed facilities in Hoima and Akii bua in Uganda’s Hoima and Lira Cities respectively, Talanta Sports Stadium and in Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium, Dodoma Stadium, and Zanzibar Fumba Stadium all in Arusha, Dodoma and Zanzibar cities respectively, a historic first edition for the Region.

Beyond football, the tournament is expected to accelerate infrastructure growth, tourism, job creation, and regional cooperation within the East African Community bloc. The joint hosting model reflects a broader continental trend toward multi-nation tournaments, allowing countries to pool resources while sharing economic and social benefits.

A Moment of Pride and Responsibility

The CAF flag handover in Rabat was more than ceremonial; it symbolized trust, responsibility, and a new chapter for East African football. For the PAMOJA nations, the focus now shifts from planning and pledges to delivery and execution.

Karibuni Africa Mashariki. Pamoja ni uwezo.