East Africa Gears Up for Historic CHAN 2025 Co-Hosting with Unified Visa Plan

East Africa is on the brink of a landmark moment in its sporting history as Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania prepare to co-host the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN). Scheduled for August 2025, this edition of CHAN will not only spotlight the continent’s top locally-based football talent but also underscore deepening regional integration and cooperation.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF), alongside the sports ministries of the three nations, is in the final stages of confirming key logistics, including stadium readiness, security coordination, and the overall event roadmap.

In a high-level virtual meeting chaired by CAF Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba, stakeholders emphasized urgency in finalizing preparations. Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy and Sports, Hon. Salim Mvurya, confirmed that hosting rights had already been secured and that venues across the country are on track.

Our earmarked venues meet CAF standards and are ready to support the extensive logistical operations required,” Mvurya stated, as quoted by Standard.

Stadiums in Nairobi, Kampala, and Dar es Salaam are among those undergoing accelerated upgrades to host marquee fixtures, including the opening match, the final, and other key tournament events.

PAMOJA Visa: A Unified Gateway for CHAN
Among the standout developments is the proposal of a “PAMOJA Visa,” a special multiple-entry pass that would enable seamless travel across the three host countries during the tournament. The initiative aims to simplify movement for players, officials, fans, and media personnel throughout the month-long event.

The proposal was presented during the interministerial meeting chaired by CAF. According to a statement from Kenya’s Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy and Sports, the visa is part of broader cross-border facilitation efforts to ensure a smooth experience for all CHAN 2025 participants.

The three nations also discussed cross-border facilitation measures… including the introduction of a ‘PAMOJA Visa’ to guarantee regional mobility and coordinate a unified security framework,” said Juney Karisa, the ministry’s Head of Public Communications.

While East African nationals may not need the PAMOJA Visa—thanks to existing regional protocols—visitors from outside the region, such as CAF officials, journalists, and fans, would benefit from the reduced travel red tape.

Regional Collaboration in Full Swing
Officials from Uganda and Tanzania echoed Kenya’s commitment. Uganda’s Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, and Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Culture, Arts, and Sports, Hon. Hamisi Mwinjuma, stressed their countries’ preparedness and shared vision for hosting a seamless, professional tournament.

CAF’s Mosengo-Omba praised the collaboration and urged swift confirmation of all logistics to allow CAF’s operational teams to commence ground preparations.

CAF is fully committed to supporting Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in turning this historic joint bid into a resounding success,” he said.

CHAN 2025 could serve as a blueprint for future joint hosting across the continent, merging sports with diplomacy and infrastructure development in a way rarely seen in African football.