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Hosting Afcon finals 2027 will boost tourism, say Eala MPs
The East Africa Legislative Assembly during a session in Arusha, Tanzania. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- The biennial tournament will not be a blessing to sports but is expected to boost the tourism fortunes for the region
Arusha. The East African Legislative Assembly (Eala) has passed a resolution to support a bid by Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya to host the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in 2027.
This was revealed in Arusha during the ongoing Eala meeting. The biennial tournament will not be a blessing to sports but is expected to boost the tourism fortunes for the region.
"We hope our bid would be successful as there would be many advantages," said Shogo Mlozi- Sedoyeka, an Eala MP from Tanzania.
Sedoyeka told the House that Afcon can pull in investors from outside the region that will create employment channels as well as promote sports tourism.
"Football is not only a game but another window for investment and an industry that can spur economic development," she said.
The joint bid to host the tournament has already received unconditional support from the presidents of the three founder members of the East African Community (EAC).
It could not be established as to when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) will make up its choice on the venue of the Afcon 2027.
The motion by the Assembly to support the EA Pamoja Bid to host the 2027 AFCON was moved by Gerald 'Blacks' Siranda, an MP from Uganda.
He said the region's hospitality, diplomatic and business sectors are set to benefit from Afcon because matches would be played in the major cities. Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Zanzibar would be the match venues for Tanzania while Kenya has picked Nairobi and Eldoret for the same.
Should the region get the greenlight to host the tournament, matches in Uganda would be played in Kampala, Lira and Hoima, near the oil fields on Lake Albert shores.
"Here is a platform to showcase EA’s abundant natural resources and cultural, hospitality, tourism and investment potentials," he pointed out.
Siranda added that should the region win the bid, the EAC will see an influx of people from across Africa and beyond including fans, players, officials, partners, media and other stakeholders.
"It will be an economic stimulus that will generate the needed revenues. Infrastructure facilities like the stadiums will be upgraded. All these will enhance tourism," he explained.
