By Lewis
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to be jointly hosted by Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya, marks a significant milestone: 52 years since the prestigious tournament was last held in East Africa, with Ethiopia hosting it in 1976. This will also be the first time the tournament is co-hosted by three nations, creating an exciting opportunity not just for football but for economic development across the region.
Hosting large-scale sporting events like AFCON often has significant implications that extend far beyond the football pitch. In this article, we will explore the economic opportunities that AFCON 2027 could offer Uganda and how businesses across various sectors might benefit from this regional event.
Tourism and hospitality
Uganda’s tourism sector, a key pillar of the economy, stands to gain immensely from AFCON 2027. Major sporting events attract large numbers of football fans, tourists, media personnel, and teams. The influx of visitors will drive demand for accommodation, food, and entertainment, creating a great opportunity for local businesses such as hotels, restaurants and local attractions to tap into new revenue streams.
Advertising and Media Sector
The advertising and media sectors are also poised for growth. AFCON 2027 will bring increased media coverage, with both local and international companies looking to capitalise on the event through media buying,and marketing campaigns. These campaigns can spark consumer activity and drive brand visibility, making this a lucrative time for companies in the advertising, broadcasting, and digital marketing industries.
Transportation
With the influx of tourists and football fans, transportation services are expected to experience a surge in demand. Taxis, boda bodas (motorcycle taxis), and car hire services will benefit from increased ridership, while airports and airlines can also expect heightened activity. The global interest in AFCON will put Uganda and its hosting cities in the international spotlight, driving long-term visibility that could lead to sustained growth in both tourism and investment.
Employment Opportunities
AFCON 2027 will create a wide range of job opportunities across various sectors. From construction workers building new facilities to hospitality staff catering to tourists, there will be a surge in demand for labour in the lead-up to and during the event
The long term impact
The Long-Term Impact
The most obvious impact of hosting AFCON 2027 will be infrastructure development. The construction and renovation of stadiums for the tournament will require significant investment in the construction industry. This investment has far-reaching implications, as improved facilities could enable Uganda to host future events and attract international attention long after the final whistle is blown.
Additionally, improvements in roads and other transport infrastructure to accommodate the increased traffic will benefit not only visitors but also local residents and businesses in the long term.
Conclusion.
The upcoming AFCON 2027 presents a major opportunity for Uganda’s business landscape. With the influx of visitors, increased media attention, and infrastructure improvements, the potential for growth is immense. However, proactive planning from stakeholders, including the participating governments, is important to fully capitalise on these benefits and secure long-term gains for local businesses and entrepreneurs.
As the countdown to this monumental event begins, the question remains: Is your business ready to ride the wave of football fever?
