CAF President Motsepe in Nairobi as AFCON 2027 preparations intensify

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Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe is  expected in Nairobi for the Africa Forward Summit scheduled for May 11–12, 2026.

Dr Motsepe is scheduled to address the summit on Monday afternoon, where he is expected to speak on Africa’s growing influence in sport, youth empowerment and economic transformation through football.

His visit comes as East Africa intensifies preparations for the 2027 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

During his stay, the CAF President is expected to hold meetings with senior government and sports officials from the three countries to assess progress on infrastructure, stadium upgrades, transport systems and regional coordination ahead of the tournament.

“CAF remains committed to supporting Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in delivering a successful AFCON tournament that will leave a lasting legacy for the region,” Dr Motsepe said ahead of the summit.

The 2027 AFCON will mark a historic moment for East Africa, becoming the first time in nearly five decades that the continental tournament is staged in the region.

Kenya last hosted the competition in 1988 but was later stripped of hosting rights in 1996 after failing to meet preparations.

The Africa Forward Summit is expected to bring together more than 30 Heads of State, senior government officials, business leaders and innovators from across Africa and Europe.

The forum will focus on strengthening Africa–France partnerships while advancing discussions on innovation, digital transformation, green industrialisation and sustainable economic growth.

Kenya is hosting the summit for the first time, with officials describing it as a milestone in positioning the country as a regional hub for diplomacy, investment and global dialogue.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya welcomed Dr Motsepe’s participation, noting that football has become a key driver of economic growth and regional integration.

“We are honoured to host the CAF President at such an important continental forum as we continue preparations for AFCON 2027. The tournament presents a unique opportunity to improve sports infrastructure, create jobs and inspire millions of young Africans,” Mvurya said.

The summit is also expected to explore how sport can contribute to social inclusion, tourism growth and Africa’s broader development agenda.