CHAN 2025: Historic Co-Hosting by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania

A New Era for African Football

The upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN 2025) exceeds the level of a regular tournament. The hosting arrangement for CHAN 2025 between Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania marks an ambitious step toward regional collaboration. The tournament will be the first multination continental football event when East African nations Kenya Uganda and Tanzania join forces in August 2025. The preparations for the event are moving at a rapid pace while the host countries upgrade their infrastructure and work on regional visa integration.

CAF Commits to Joint Hosting

The CAF Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba conducted a virtual meeting, which sports officials from the three countries used to show their readiness. The conference exceeded its administrative purpose because it held symbolic value. The meeting introduced a new approach for African nations to organize their participation in major sporting events.

CAF Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba declared that the organization fully supports Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to create an exceptional outcome from their joint historic bid.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) stressed the immediate need to verify the tournament locations so its inspection teams can start venue preparations.

Key Decisions Await Finalization

The recent interministerial conference had the essential goal of determining the locations for opening and closing ceremonies together with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd-place playoffs. The matches that will draw the most spectators and TV viewers require priority planning since they represent the key to tournament success.

Kenya’s All-In Approach

The Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy and Sports Hon. Salim Mvurya confirmed Kenya’s dedication to the tournament.

“The country has already paid for CHAN hosting rights according to the official. The facilities designated for use comply with all necessary standards and are prepared to handle the extensive operational needs of this international tournament”.

The Kenyan preparation strategy involves cooperation between multiple government agencies. The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) brings together multiple government departments, including transport and infrastructure and tourism departments. The hosting model of CHAN draw this year serves as a foundation for the current event.

Uganda Emphasizes Unity

The Minister of State for Sports of Uganda Hon. Peter Ogwang stated from Kampala:

“Our dedication extends past infrastructure development. The East African nations have reached a moment to demonstrate their unity through a shared mission of regional success.”

Uganda has dedicated resources to restructure stadiums and train facilities as part of its dual strategy for developing domestic football leagues and youth programs.

Tanzania Echoes the Sentiment

Hon. Hamisi Mwinjuma, the Deputy Minister for Culture Arts and Sports of Tanzania delivered a message about the unified spirit of the region:

“We are co-authors and co-hosts who are writing a fresh page in African football.”

The Tanzanian government has developed plans, which include enhanced stadium security and better transportation links to stadiums and a media approach to promote East African football across the tournament.

The PAMOJA Visa: A Game-Changer

A new visa proposal known as PAMOJA Visa stands out as an exciting development. A special visa named PAMOJA draws its name from the Swahili word, which means “together” to allow fans along with teams and officials to travel without restrictions between the three host countries throughout the tournament.

The PAMOJA Visa would achieve three main benefits if it receives approval:

• Simplify travel logistics
• Increase regional tourism
• Set a precedent for future joint-hosting arrangements

The visa would function identically to the European Schengen Visa by establishing a unified travel authorization that enables movement between multiple countries.

Infrastructure Developments Across East Africa

Every country participating in hosting events has dedicated significant financial resources to sports and transportation infrastructure improvements.

Kenya

• Nairobi and Eldoret stadiums are undergoing final inspections.
• The urban transportation network receives improvements to enhance its ability to handle rising traffic volumes.
• Hotels located near tournament sites undergo renovation and gain safety certification as part of the process.

Uganda

• The Mandela National Stadium reaches its completion stage following extensive reconstruction work.
• The government has made road improvements in sports areas to boost accessibility.
• More than 1,000 volunteers are being trained by the LOC.

Tanzania

• Dar es Salaam and Arusha are central to Tanzania’s hosting plans.
• The investments include stadium lighting and broadcast facilities.
• New rail connections are being tested for inter-city fan travel.

Boosting the Local Economy

The region will receive substantial economic advantages because CHAN 2025 will attract numerous fans throughout the region. The tourism industry together with hospitality services and transportation networks are prepared to capitalize on the projected business growth.

Economists suggest that:

• Hotel bookings could increase by up to 45%
• The local food and merchandise vendors expect their revenue to double during this period
• The event staffing and hospitality sectors will experience a short-term rise in employment numbers

Security & Safety: A Regional Priority

CAF has stressed the need for integrated safety measures. The hosting nations are currently working on a unified security approach, which includes:

• Border screening coordination
• Joint emergency response plans
• Stadium crowd control measures

The security strategy follows the same pattern as that used during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa but on a smaller scale.

Media Coverage and Fan Engagement

Organizers are planning:

• A regional TV broadcast deal to cover all matches
• Mobile apps for ticketing, travel, and live updates
• Fan zones in major cities across the three countries

These measures are designed to improve fan satisfaction and to get the tournament more in touch with the public.

CHAN 2025: More Than Just a Tournament

CHAN traditionally has a focus on African players, but CHAN 2025 is likely to be a larger cultural event. Other than the football, there are plans for:

• Pan-African music festivals
• Regional art exhibitions
• Cultural exchange programs for youth

This comprehensive approach might result in a lasting legacy, which could help unite and foster appreciation between African nations.

What’s Next?

The next 90 days are crucial. CAF is now waiting for the final confirmations on the venues, security plans and travel logistics. The local organizing committees have to meet the tight timelines to avoid last minute complications.

Another coordination meeting has been scheduled by CAF in July 2025 to check on the progress. All three countries will be required to submit their readiness status reports.

Beyond the Pitch: The True Impact of CHAN 2025

CHAN 2025 is not just about football, it’s about East Africa showing what’s possible through collaboration. Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have an opportunity to set a new standard for regional cooperation, fan experience, and football development.

The tournament is shaping up to be a landmark moment not just for the sport, but also for the continent, with the PAMOJA Visa, coordinated infrastructure upgrades, and shared goals.