NAIROBI, Kenya - The Presidents of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda have been jointly honoured with the prestigious CAF President's Outstanding Achievement Award for 2025. The award, conferred by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), recognizes the pivotal roles of President William Ruto, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and President Yoweri Museveni in securing the hosting rights for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and their broader contributions to football development.

The honour was announced during the 2025 CAF Awards ceremony held in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, according to statements from the continental football body. CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe lauded the three leaders for their "visionary support that elevated East Africa's football profile globally," highlighting their commitment to cooperation and infrastructure development. This award underscores the political goodwill that was instrumental in the success of the unified 'Pamoja' bid, which brings the continent's premier football tournament to East Africa for the first time since Ethiopia hosted it in 1976.

A Catalyst for Regional Transformation

The award serves as a significant endorsement of the Pamoja AFCON 2027, a project viewed as a game-changer for the East African region. Analysts and government officials project that hosting the tournament will trigger a cascade of economic and social benefits, including a surge in tourism, job creation, and significant foreign investment. The collaborative effort is also seen as a powerful symbol of regional integration, strengthening ties within the East African Community (EAC) beyond politics and trade.

In his remarks following the successful bid announcement in September 2023, Dr. Motsepe emphasized the importance of the presidents' direct involvement, stating their deep commitment was a key factor in CAF's decision. President Museveni echoed this sentiment, noting that the Pan-African, multi-country effort made the bid logically attractive and showcased the benefits of pooling resources and infrastructure.

Infrastructure Overhaul Across East Africa

Central to the award is the unprecedented commitment by the three governments to overhaul and expand their sporting infrastructure to meet CAF's stringent international standards. This involves a multi-billion shilling investment across the region.

In Kenya, the government has launched an ambitious Sports and Arts Infrastructure Masterplan. Key projects include the construction of the new 60,000-seater Talanta Sports City Stadium at Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi, which is slated for completion by December 2025. Additionally, extensive renovations are underway at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo National Stadium, with President Ruto reaffirming these venues will be ready on schedule.

Uganda has closed its iconic Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, for a major redevelopment project spearheaded by Turkish construction firm Summa. The renovation will expand its capacity from 40,000 to 60,000 seats and add modern facilities, including a retractable roof, a hotel, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Tanzania is also making significant strides, allocating approximately Sh180 billion in its 2025/2026 budget for stadium construction and renovation. This includes upgrading the 60,000-seat Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam and constructing a new, state-of-the-art 30,000-seat stadium in Arusha, which will be named after President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

A Legacy Beyond Football

The CAF President's Outstanding Achievement Award has previously been awarded to other heads of state for their contributions to football, including Rwanda's President Paul Kagame and King Mohammed VI of Morocco in 2022. The inclusion of the three East African leaders acknowledges that their efforts extend beyond winning a bid to fostering a lasting legacy.

The massive infrastructure projects are expected to position the region as a hub for future international sporting and cultural events, boosting tourism and providing long-term community benefits. For Kenya, the successful delivery of the AFCON 2027 facilities is seen as a crucial step in realizing its ambition to qualify for the 2030 FIFA World Cup and cementing its place as a sporting superpower. As preparations intensify, the award serves as both a recognition of progress and a motivator for the immense work that lies ahead to deliver what Dr. Motsepe hopes will be "the best AFCON ever."