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When Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania introduced the Pamoja Bid to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament, it was celebrated as a significant Pan-African event. Three nearby East African countries, connected through shared culture and aspirations, pledged to initiate a new era for African football.

However, as the countdown starts, a more challenging and uncomfortable question persists: are the Pamoja nations genuinely prepared—according to current African standards, not past ones?

To honestly address that question, East Africa should be evaluated not based on emotions, but according to past examples, results, and the standard established by recent organizers, especially Morocco.

Morocco has significantly redefined what it means to be “Afcon-ready.” Despite hosting Afcon in 1988, the nation’s substantial investments leading up to the 2022 Fifa World Cup reshaped its football environment. Now, Morocco offers:

• Top-tier stadiums located in Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Marrakech, and Agadir

• High-speed rail (Al Boraq), smooth airport links, and contemporary highways

• Effective movement of fans and nighttime public security • Smooth fan circulation and evening public safety • Optimized fan traffic and nighttime safety measures • Enhanced fan movement and nocturnal public security • Improved fan flow and night-time safety protocols

• Training centers that match the highest European benchmarks

• A football culture that can be seen even during the night, with young people playing without restrictions in secure, brightly lit areas

This is not coincidental. It stems from decades of intentional state strategy, sports-oriented administration, and the incorporation of football into national progress.

Compare this to history: in the 1980s, Côte d’Ivoire was more advanced than Morocco and had already organized Afcon (1984). Now, the situation has changed. Morocco made steady investments, while others remained stagnant. This lesson is important for the rest of Africa, but especially for East Africa.

The Pamoja proposal emphasizes stadium developments in Zanzibar, Pemba, Nairobi, Arusha, Dodoma, Dar es Salaam, Kampala, and Hoima. Although stadiums are important, Afcon is not solely about events held within concrete structures.

Modern Afcon achievements are significantly influenced by urban transportation, safety measures, and managing large gatherings, ease of obtaining visas, availability and standard of lodging, preparedness for medical emergencies, media and broadcasting facilities, and the simplicity of moving fans within the country and between nations.

Before Afcon 2023 (held in 2024), Côte d’Ivoire spent billions of dollars. However, during the final phase, the Prime Minister and Sports Minister were removed due to worries that certain fields were not prepared, especially under heavy rainfall.

The statement from CAF and the worldwide football community was unmistakable: financial investment does not justify poor performance.

The past has not been forgiving to those who are unprepared. In 1996, Kenya was given the opportunity to host Afcon. As the deadlines drew near, issues with infrastructure, stadium problems, and logistical shortcomings became impossible to ignore. CAF revoked the hosting rights, and South Africa took over, managing to organize the event effectively and emerged as champions.

Almost three decades later, that incident continues to resonate. It serves as a reminder that CAF does not recognize intent; it values preparedness.

Mobility emergency: Kampala as an example

Consider Kampala, one of the suggested cities to host Afcon. On an average weekday—apart from the Afcon crowds, the city is typically stuck in traffic. Traffic jams impact emergency response times, team travel, match scheduling consistency, fan experience, and safety.

If Kampala faces challenges today, what will occur when tens of thousands of supporters, officials, teams, and journalists arrive all at once?

Hoima, another suggested location, encounters even greater obstacles such as limited lodging availability, lack of highways, insufficient high-quality hotels, poor top-tier accommodations, weak air and road connections, among others. Afcon cannot wait for cities to “develop into” preparedness. Preparedness needs to be in place before the tournament begins.

Afcon is a grand event that brings together all 55 African countries. However, visa policies in certain areas of East Africa are still tight. Kenya has advanced by introducing an online visa application process. Uganda and Tanzania, on the other hand, continue to draw criticism for their sluggish and unpredictable visa procedures.

On the other hand, effective hosts make access easier, promote mobility, and regard fans as visitors, not as potential threats. Without visa alignment and smooth border procedures, the Pamoja concept of effortless regional hosting could encounter significant challenges.

Afcon today has transcended being just an African event. The entire world is observing! Including global broadcasters, sponsors, international supporters, as well as Fifa and CAF inspectors.

Security issues, poor crowd control, or transportation problems are quickly magnified. Hosting Afcon is more than just a matter of football pride; it relates to the country’s reputation.

Avoiding blind patriotism

Authentic Pan-Africanism requires sincerity. Caring for your nation doesn’t imply overlooking its flaws. Morocco achieved success by embracing criticism at an early stage and taking firm action. East Africa needs to follow suit. Unquestioning patriotism, portraying lack of readiness as “African strength,” is the quickest path to disgrace.

Tournaments have been delayed, moved, or countries have lost their ability to host the Afcon or Chan finals merely because governments failed to recognize the magnitude of contemporary football events.

The joint bid holds potential, backed by political support and regional significance, but symbolism by itself will not attract fans, establish boundaries, reduce congestion, or drain saturated fields.

To be prepared by 2027, East Africa should view infrastructure as an integrated system, rather than individual projects, address urban transportation, align visa regulations, invest in lodging and fan amenities, embrace feedback without becoming defensive, and draw lessons from Morocco, rather than feeling envious. Afcon is for all of Africa, but hosting it is a honor achieved through thorough preparation, not just enthusiasm.

If East Africa aims to host Afcon effectively, it must first address the most challenging question truthfully:

Are we constructing for the competition—or are we wishing the competition will shape us?

Bryan Toshi Bwana serves as the Founder Trustee of Umoja Conservation Trust (UCT).www.umojaconservation.org

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).