Ugandan businesses are set to benefit from a wide range of opportunities as preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) gather pace, according to Dr. Dennis Mugimba, Chairperson for Communications and Signage on the Local Organizing Committee (LOC).

Speaking during a press briefing held on Wednesday morning at the Uganda Media Centre, Dr. Mugimba highlighted the business opportunities that will come with hosting AFCON 2027 while also providing an update on the progress of preparations for the tournament.

Uganda will co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Kenya and Tanzania under the East Africa Pamoja bid, marking the first time the three East African nations will jointly stage Africa's biggest football tournament.

Dr. Mugimba said AFCON 2027 will create demand for a broad range of goods and services, presenting local companies with an opportunity to contribute to the successful delivery of the continental showpiece. "AFCON 2027 will create demand for a wide range of goods and services, presenting a significant opportunity for local companies to participate in delivering a successful continental event," Dr. Mugimba said.

He noted that the opportunities will span multiple sectors of the economy, giving businesses of different sizes a chance to participate in preparations for the tournament.

According to Dr. Mugimba, the sectors include hospitality, catering, transport and logistics, information and communication technology (ICT), media, communications, digital engagement, branding, medical services, safety and security, event management, consultancy, documentary production, fan parks management, souvenir production, office supplies and several other professional services.

AFCON is Africa's premier men's football tournament and attracts national teams, match officials, supporters, media organisations and commercial partners from across the continent.

The Wednesday briefing also provided an update on the progress of Uganda's preparations for the tournament, with the Local Organizing Committee emphasizing the importance of ensuring local companies are positioned to take advantage of procurement and service delivery opportunities linked to the competition.

As preparations continue, businesses operating across the identified sectors are expected to play a key role in supporting the successful hosting of AFCON 2027 in Uganda as part of the East Africa Pamoja partnership.