The Commonwealth has on Thursday, July 23, lauded the Kenya–Uganda–Tanzania PAMOJA partnership to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Commonwealth Sports Ministers recognized the regional co-hosting model as a landmark demonstration of Pan-African
co-operation founded on shared infrastructure, cross-border collaboration and collective investment.
They acknowledged that the partnership exemplifies how regional integration can strengthen Africa's sporting potential, reduce the cost of hosting major sporting events, and create a lasting legacy of economic growth, tourism and sustainable development.
Speaking during the 12th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting (12CSMM) in Glasgow, Scotland, graced by His Royal Highness Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh and Vice Patron of Commonwealth Sport, Commonwealth
Sports Ministers and stakeholders noted that the PAMOJA partnership reflects the Commonwealth's shared values of collaboration, solidarity and mutual
prosperity.
They observed that the regional hosting model provides a practical and replicable framework for Commonwealth nations seeking to jointly deliver major international sporting events while unlocking investment, strengthening
sports ecosystems, promoting sports tourism and advancing inclusive economic growth across member states.
Welcoming the Commonwealth's endorsement, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, who led Kenya's delegation to the Ministerial Meeting, reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to successfully deliver a memorable and world-class AFCON 2027 that will showcase Africa's capability to host premier global sporting events while deepening regional integration and creating lasting socio-economic benefits for the people of East Africa.
"The PAMOJA partnership is a testament to what Africa can achieve through unity, shared purpose and collective ambition. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzaniaremain fully committed to delivering an AFCON 2027 that not only celebrates football excellence, but also strengthens regional integration, stimulates sports tourism, creates employment opportunities and leaves an enduring legacy of infrastructure, investment and economic transformation," said Mvurya.
During the Ministerial deliberations, Mvurya joined Commonwealth Member States in reaffirming the need to reposition sport as a strategic economic sector capable of creating jobs, attracting investment, transforming livelihoods and unlocking opportunities for millions of young people across the Commonwealth.
Ministers agreed that sport must evolve beyond recreation into a commercially sustainable industry that drives tourism, innovation, manufacturing, media, technology and enterprise while providing sustainable livelihoods and empowering future generations.
"Sport is no longer simply about competition; it is an economic frontier that creates employment, attracts investment, nurtures talent and transforms lives.”
