CAF Inspection Team Commences Vital AFCON 2027 Readiness Tour of PAMOJA Nations
The road to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations AFCON 2027 reached a critical milestone this week. A high-level delegation of technical experts from the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) officially began a comprehensive inspection tour of the PAMOJA countries: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
This strategic visit aims to evaluate the progress of infrastructure projects and ensure that all host venues align with CAF’s stringent world-class delivery standards. The inspection, which runs until February 17, covers everything from pitch requirements to safety and security protocols.
Tanzania: AFCON 2027 First Stop for Technical Experts
The CAF inspection team kicked off their mission in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The delegation is currently assessing the iconic Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and several designated training sites. Following the Dar es Salaam leg, the team will travel to Arusha to inspect the progress of the Samia Suluhu Stadium.
“We have invited CAF to assess our preparedness in advance to ensure we are on point,” stated Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi. “The Talanta Sports City project is currently 85% complete, with external works expected to be finalized by the end of February.”
In Zanzibar, experts are slated to review the Amaan Stadium and Fumba Stadium. This visit coincides with a highly anticipated meeting of the CAF Executive Committee in Tanzania, where CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe is expected to join the proceedings on Friday, February 13.
Kenya: AFCON 2027 Spotlight on the New “Raila Odinga International Stadium”
In Kenya, the inspection focus is centered on Nairobi’s rapidly developing sports infrastructure. The program includes the Kasarani Stadium, Nyayo Stadium, and the flagship Talanta Sports Stadium (recently renamed the Raila Odinga International Stadium).
To maintain the momentum, the Kenyan government has officially closed Kasarani Stadium this week to facilitate “Phase II” of intensive upgrading works. This move underscores the region’s commitment to meeting completion deadlines for all major facilities.
Uganda: AFCON 2027 Infrastructure Push in Kampala and Hoima
Uganda’s inspection itinerary includes visits to the Mandela National Stadium (Namboole) in Kampala and various training sites in Entebbe. A key highlight for the Ugandan team will be the evaluation of the Hoima City Stadium, a new 20,000-seater facility designed to decentralize the tournament’s footprint.
The CAF delegation is paying close attention to “secondary” facilities, including regional stadiums in Eldoret and Mombasa, to ensure a robust contingency plan is in place for the AFCON 2027 tournament.
AFCON 2027 Key Construction Progress at a Glance (February 2026)
| Stadium | Country | Capacity | Status |
| Talanta Sports City | Kenya | 60,000 | 85% Complete |
| Samia Suluhu Stadium | Tanzania | 30,000 | 75% Complete |
| Hoima City Stadium | Uganda | 20,000 | Open/Upgrading |
| Benjamin Mkapa | Tanzania | 60,000 | Existing/Renovating |
Economic and Public Impact
The AFCON 2027 preparations are already sparking significant market activity across East Africa. In Kenya, a Ksh 3.9 billion contract was recently awarded to a consortium of Chinese and local firms to upgrade roads and footbridges surrounding the Talanta Sports City.
While the closure of major stadiums has caused a temporary “scheduling headache” for local football leagues, public sentiment remains largely positive. Fans across the three nations view the tournament as a golden opportunity to showcase East African hospitality and boost the regional tourism sector.
Final Countdown to 2027
CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba recently emphasized that these inspections are part of a broader strategy to raise the reputation of African football. By working closely with local organizing committees (LOCs), CAF aims to ensure that the PAMOJA bid delivers a tournament that rivals the best in the world.
As the inspection team continues its journey through the East African corridor, the message is clear: the PAMOJA nations are no longer just dreaming of AFCON 2027—they are actively building it.
