Why CHAN 2025 Could Be a Turning Point for East African Football

© State Department of Sports.

Why CHAN 2025 Could Be a Turning Point for East African Football

Festus Chuma 21:00 - 09.05.2025

Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania prepare to co-host CHAN 2025, focusing on infrastructure, logistics, and regional integration via PAMOJA Visa.

Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are on track to finalise their hosting arrangements for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), marking a historic moment as the East African neighbours prepare to co-host one of the continent’s premier football tournaments.

Scheduled for August 2025, CHAN will not only showcase Africa’s best local talent but also highlight regional cooperation on a grand sporting stage.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and sports ministries from the three countries are in the final stages of discussions regarding stadium selections, event logistics, and security coordination.

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A high-level virtual meeting, chaired by CAF Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba, recently brought together key stakeholders from all three nations to align strategies and ensure readiness.

“We have already paid the hosting rights for CHAN. Our earmarked venues meet the required standards and are ready to support the extensive logistical operations needed for such a world-class event,” stated Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy, and Sports, Salim Mvurya as per Standard.

Infrastructure Investments Take Centre Stage

Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have ramped up investments in sports infrastructure, viewing CHAN 2025 as a catalyst for broader development. In Kenya, Mvurya emphasized the importance of integrated planning and inter-agency collaboration.

"We have brought together multidisciplinary teams within our organising committees to adhere to CAF’s guidelines, just as we successfully did during the CHAN draws. Kenya is committed to working closely with CAF to deliver a stellar and memorable tournament experience," he added.

Similar enthusiasm is evident in Uganda and Tanzania. Uganda’s Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, and Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Culture, Arts, and Sports, Hon. Hamisi Mwinjuma, reiterated their nations' commitment to a seamless and professional delivery of the tournament.

In each country, venue preparation and upgrades have been fast-tracked, with stadiums in Nairobi, Kampala, and Dar es Salaam among the front-runners to host key matches including the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the final and third-place playoff.

PAMOJA Visa and Regional Integration

One of the key highlights from the discussions was the proposal of a special regional visa—the “PAMOJA Visa”—designed to simplify travel between Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania for players, officials, and fans.

The visa would allow for smooth cross-border travel throughout the duration of the tournament, ensuring fans can follow their teams without bureaucratic hurdles.

Organisers see this as an opportunity to build a festive, secure, and unified environment during CHAN 2025.

CAF Calls for Urgency and Coordination

CAF Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba urged all stakeholders to expedite the confirmation of venues and logistical arrangements.

“The confirmation of venues and logistics will enable our advance teams to commence on-the-ground preparations for the August championship. CAF is fully committed to supporting Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in turning this historic joint bid into a resounding success,” he said.

East Africa’s joint hosting could very well redefine the region’s place on the continental sports map—and set the stage for future collaborations.

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