CAF technical experts begin inspection tour of AFCON 2027 host nations
The spotlight has firmly shifted to East Africa, further underscored by the scheduled visit of CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and members of the CAF Executive Committee to Tanzania on Friday, 13 February 2025.
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has dispatched a team of technical experts to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda as preparations gather momentum for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.
The high-level inspection marks a significant step in ensuring that the three East African nations meet CAF’s stringent world-class hosting standards ahead of the continent’s premier football tournament.
The spotlight has firmly shifted to East Africa, further underscored by the scheduled visit of CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and members of the CAF Executive Committee to Tanzania on Friday, 13 February 2025.
The visit signals CAF’s commitment to close oversight and collaboration with host governments and Local Organising Committees (LOCs).
The technical inspections, which began this week and will run until Tuesday, 17 February, cover comprehensive assessments of pitch quality, safety and security systems, stadium infrastructure, and training venue readiness.
These evaluations form part of CAF’s broader strategy to elevate operational and infrastructure standards across African football.
By enforcing consistent, world-class benchmarks in venue management, infrastructure development and tournament delivery, CAF aims to position the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON among the leading global football competitions.
Beyond tournament readiness, the inspections align with CAF’s long-term objective of strengthening Africa’s football ecosystem. Through partnerships with host governments, CAF seeks to improve sports infrastructure, enhance delivery capability and support sustainable football development across the continent.
CAF’s inspection mission commenced in Dar es Salaam, where experts are assessing the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium alongside several designated training sites.
The delegation will proceed to Arusha to inspect the Samia Suluhu Stadium before concluding in Zanzibar, where Amaan Stadium and Fumba Stadium — earmarked by Tanzania’s LOC for tournament use — will undergo technical review.
In Kenya, inspections are centred in Nairobi, covering the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani; Nyayo National Stadium; and the Talanta Sports City Stadium. Training venues including the Ulinzi Sports Complex and the Kenya Academy of Sports are also part of the assessment programme.
Uganda’s inspection itinerary includes visits to Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, training facilities in Entebbe and the proposed Hoima City Stadium. The Hoima facility is expected to play a strategic role in decentralising tournament matches and boosting regional infrastructure development.
CAF has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the three host nations to ensure preparations intensify in the lead-up to AFCON 2027. With infrastructure development and delivery planning now entering a critical phase, East Africa’s historic joint hosting of the tournament is steadily taking shape.
