Tanzania’s Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Paul Makonda, has today signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the organisation and hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2027), under the CAF Joint Resolution TotalEnergies framework.
The signing ceremony, held in Nairobi, Kenya, was witnessed by the President of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe, marking an important step in the joint preparations by East African co-hosts Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
The agreement is aimed at strengthening coordination among the three countries as they work together to ensure successful delivery of one of Africa’s most prestigious football tournaments.
It also sets the foundation for closer collaboration in planning, infrastructure development, and event management.
During the high-level meeting, officials reviewed the progress of AFCON 2027 preparations, including the readiness of host nations, implementation of national action plans, and ongoing development of key infrastructure such as stadiums, transport systems, accommodation facilities, and security arrangements.
The leaders emphasized the importance of meeting international standards in all areas of preparation to ensure a smooth and successful tournament.
They also agreed to maintain continuous joint monitoring and evaluation to track progress across all host countries.
In a notable development, the Government of Tanzania presented a formal request to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) seeking recognition of Kiswahili as an official language for AFCON 2027.
The move is intended to enhance communication, improve accessibility for fans across East Africa, and promote the region’s cultural identity during the tournament.
The meeting brought together ministers responsible for sports from Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, alongside Local Organising Committee (LOC) leaders, presidents of national football associations, and technical experts from the respective ministries.
AFCON 2027 is expected to not only showcase top-level football but also strengthen regional integration, boost tourism, and accelerate infrastructure development across the East African co-hosting nations.
