•Preparations for the tournament were on point and the Ivorian government invested heavily in infrastructure development, which included four new stadiums, transportation systems and accommodation facilities.
•The government also implemented security measures to ensure the safety of all participants and spectators.
Image: HANDOUT
With the 34th Africa Cup of Nations now behind us, It is time for Kenya to work on the lessons learnt from Cote d’Ivoire and deliver on the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which they will co-host with Tanzania and Uganda.
The tournament held in Cote d’Ivoire was a significant success. The country demonstrated its capability to host Africa’s biggest biannual football event. The tournament contributed positively to the economy and social development of the country.
Preparations for the tournament were on point and the Ivorian government invested heavily in infrastructure development, which included four new stadiums, transportation systems and accommodation facilities.
The government also implemented security measures to ensure the safety of all participants and spectators. The tournament itself was highly competitive, with top African football teams participating. The Ivorian national team beat Nigeria in the final to lift the trophy. The tournament brought the country together in a spirit of unity and celebration.
The Afcon tournament also had a significant impact on the economy of Ivory Coast.
According to a report by the African Development Bank, the tournament generated over US$1 billion in revenue for the country with significant contributions from the tourism, hospitality and transport sectors.
The tournament also created employment opportunities for thousands of Ivorians, both directly and indirectly.
The event also served as a platform for Cote d’Ivoire to showcase its rich culture and history to the world.
The government organised various cultural events alongside the tournament, promoting Ivorian music, dance, food, and art. It further highlighted the country’s progress in social development, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment.
Eyes on Afcon 2027
Following the successful hosting of Afcon 2024 by Cote d’Ivoire, the country's attention turns to Nairobi as they prepare to host the Pamoja Afcon 2027 with neighbours Tanzania and Uganda.
Kenya has previously hosted major international sports events such as the WRC Safari Rally and the World U-20 Championships. However, hosting Afcon will be their most significant achievement yet in terms of sports event management. Preparations are already underway in Nairobi for Afcon 2027 with various infrastructure development projects ongoing.
They include the upgrading of Moi International Sports Complex, Kasarani, which has been closed for renovations. Nyayo Stadium is next in line for closure while Talanta Stadium along Ngong Road is to be built afresh as a football stadium.
To host a successful event, we must improve the transportation systems and accommodation facilities for participants.
The seamless movement of fans across the five hosting cities and towns in Abidjan, Bouaké, Korhogo, San-Pédro and Yamoussoukro is a lesson Kenyans should borrow and fix the transport system.
These five regions spread the feel of football in Cote d’Ivoire to the six stadiums. Kenya needs to prepare as if it will be the sole host just in case one of our EAC brothers fails to meet the CAF requirements. As a country, we need at least six stadiums ready for the tournament just in case one of the Pamoja hosts pulls out.
As I congratulate President William Ruto for his push to have the tournament hosted here, there are key things that we must address.
The President has pledged total support for the project and has committed significant resources towards ensuring the successful completion of facilities.
Some of these projects including stadia need time to build if we were to learn from Cote d'Ivoire. The West African nation took three years to have the stadium ready for the tourney.
Kenya and her neighbours have only two and half years left and we shouldn't take anything for granted. It’s time we have a multi-sectoral approach to these preparations so that we can achieve success.
Multisectoral Approach
We must have a multi-sectoral committee bringing together ministries of sports, transport, Interior, education, trade, tourism, foreign affairs, energy, Office of the President, Parliament (Senate and National Assembly), the Kenya Football Federation and other stakeholders for meticulous planning.
The passion exhibited by the Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba can’t be understated. He should be the champion of this multi-sectoral approach.
Benefits of Afcon 2027
Afcon 2027 is expected to bring numerous benefits to Kenya, including economic growth, job creation, cultural exchange, and social development.
It will also provide an opportunity for Kenya to showcase its rich cultural heritage and promote tourism in the country. Afcon is a prestigious tournament that brings together the best national teams from across the continent. Kenya can indeed learn valuable lessons from the Ivory Coast as far as hosting the 2027 event is concerned.
Logistical Planning is another crucial lesson Kenya can take from Cote d’Ivoire. Organising a tournament of such magnitude involves coordinating various aspects such as security, ticketing, fan zones, media facilities, and more. Engagement of the local communities in the run-up and during the event will be key. This worked out well Cote d’Ivoire.
This is the time for officials from the slum areas including Kibra, Huruma, Mukuru, Mathare, and Congo in Kawangware can benefit from this tourney.
This will foster a sense of unity and excitement around Afcon 2027. Involving local businesses, schools, and organisations can help create a vibrant atmosphere during the tournament and leave a lasting legacy in the country.
I would like to emphasise that the Ministry and the Presidency should prepare as if Kenya is the sole host. That will prepare us better to host the entire event just in case any of our EAC brothers back out.