Pamoja AFCON is the joint identity and branding for the football tournaments co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania under the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The term Pamoja, which means "together" in Swahili, represents regional unity and cooperation. It was introduced in 2023 after the three countries won the bid to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The identity was first applied during the African Nations Championship 2024 (CHAN 2024), used as a trial run to test the region’s readiness to co-host a major continental competition. The larger and more prestigious 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2027) will be held under the same Pamoja brand.
Background In September 2023, CAF awarded the hosting rights for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations to the East African joint bid of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.Nation Africa – How Pamoja bid bagged 2027 AFCON hosting rights This marked the first time the tournament would be staged in East Africa, and the first time three countries would co-host it.
To ensure adequate preparation, CAF also designated the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) as a test event for the region, adopting the Pamoja identity for both tournaments.Sports Village Square – CAF launches CHAN 2024 campaign with Pamoja theme
Pamoja CHAN 2024 The 2024 African Nations Championship was jointly organised in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania under the Pamoja theme. The tournament was initially scheduled for early 2025 but was later postponed to August 2025.Africa Top Sports – CHAN 2024 Uganda Cranes squad shirt numbers confirmed
Highlights included:
An official tournament anthem, Pamoja, performed by Kenyan artist Savara, Tanzanian singer Phina, and Ugandan artist Elijah Kitaka.KBC – Savara writes CHAN anthem Pamoja The Pamoja Visa concept was introduced to ease cross-border travel for fans, players, and officials. Joint branding and promotional campaigns across East Africa to test collaboration ahead of AFCON 2027.
The CHAN tournament served as a dress rehearsal for AFCON 2027, testing logistics, stadiums, and security arrangements.
Pamoja AFCON 2027 The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be the first AFCON hosted in East Africa and only the second time in history that three nations jointly host the tournament (after the 2023 AFCON co-hosted by Ivory Coast, Guinea, and Liberia was proposed but did not materialise).
Infrastructure The Pamoja bid committed to upgrading and constructing several stadiums:
Kenya: Kasarani Stadium, Nyayo Stadium, Kipchoge Keino Stadium, Talanta Stadium Uganda: Mandela National Stadium, Hoima City Stadium, Akii Bua Stadium Tanzania: Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium, Dodoma StadiumChimp Reports – AFCON stadium preparations in Uganda
Economic and regional impact The tournaments are expected to boost regional tourism, create jobs, and accelerate infrastructure development. The adoption of the Pamoja identity is also seen as strengthening East African Community (EAC) cooperation.
Branding and legacy The Pamoja brand emphasises unity, cultural pride, and regional integration. Beyond football, it is intended to leave a legacy of cross-border collaboration, improved infrastructure, and stronger community ties in East Africa.
See also
African Nations Championship Africa Cup of Nations Sport in East Africa
References