The countdown to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 is underway, and for the first time in the tournament’s history, it will be co-hosted by three East African nations: Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. This continental sporting event will attract hundreds of thousands of visitors—from players and support teams to media, fans, and tourists—creating a unique and time-sensitive opportunity for investors looking to tap into East Africa’s growing infrastructure, hospitality, and food supply sectors.
At NKG, we see AFCON 2027 not just as a sporting event, but as a strategic gateway for investors to establish profitable ventures that can extend well beyond the tournament.
1. Hospitality – Urgent Demand, Long-Term Potential
East Africa’s hotel and lodging sectors are expanding, but AFCON will place unprecedented pressure on existing capacity. Many host cities will need to significantly increase available accommodations to serve the influx of international and domestic travelers.
Opportunities include:
- Mid-Range and Budget Hotels: Travelers and fan groups often seek affordable but comfortable accommodations. There is an immediate need for well-managed 2- and 3-star properties near stadiums and urban centers.
- Short-Term Rentals and Serviced Apartments: Investors can develop or convert properties into temporary lodging to meet demand during the tournament and repurpose them afterward.
- Lodge and Boutique Hotel Expansion: In areas near tourism hotspots or national parks, upgrades to existing facilities can allow properties to capture the dual wave of sports tourism and adventure travel.
2. Food & Beverage – Serving the Masses, Showcasing Local Flavors
Feeding the massive influx of people during AFCON requires strategic planning, partnerships, and investment in food service and logistics.
Key investment areas:
- Catering Services and Pop-Up Restaurants: Stadiums, fan zones, and event spaces will need reliable food vendors with scalable and hygienic operations.
- Food Franchises and Quick-Service Restaurants: Urban centers can benefit from recognizable or fast-growing brands positioned to meet high-volume demand.
- Local Supply Chain Development: Sourcing fresh, quality ingredients locally—especially from East African producers—creates opportunities for vertical integration and long-term supply agreements.
3. Cold Storage & Food Logistics – A Critical Gap to Fill
Perishable food items will be in high demand, and with increased traffic and events clustered in a short period, cold storage infrastructure will be essential. The region currently lacks adequate cold chain capacity to handle such volumes.
Investment opportunities include:
- Modular Cold Storage Units: Deployable near stadiums, event sites, and central kitchens to reduce food waste and spoilage.
- Distribution Hubs for Perishable Goods: Investing in strategically located facilities near major transport routes or airports.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Engage with municipalities and national governments to co-invest in cold chain infrastructure that can serve both AFCON and long-term agricultural and export markets.
Why AFCON 2027 is a Strategic Entry Point
- Time-Sensitive Market Window: With just under two years to go, there is a pressing need to initiate development in sectors that require operational readiness before the event.
- Regional Collaboration: EAC countries are coordinating infrastructure and tourism efforts, making it easier for investors to enter a harmonized regional market.
- Post-AFCON Utility: All investments in hospitality, F&B, and cold storage can continue to generate returns after the event through tourism, trade, and domestic demand.
Conclusion
AFCON 2027 presents a rare and dynamic investment opportunity across hospitality, food and beverage, and cold logistics in East Africa. Strategic, well-timed investment today can meet the needs of a massive sporting event—and create lasting impact and profitability in the years that follow.
At NKG, we connect investors with local partners, government programs, and turnkey project opportunities tailored for AFCON 2027 readiness.
Contact us to learn how you can position your investment for success in the heart of East Africa.