With just under two months to go before the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) kicks off, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are making history — not only as co-hosts, but with a new regional visa that’s turning heads across the continent.
The three countries have announced plans to introduce a special Pamoja Visa, designed to allow free movement of players, officials, and fans between borders during the tournament.
Speaking during a joint press conference in Nairobi on Tuesday, Kenya’s Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said the initiative marks a new chapter for African football.
“We are here as one team, the Pamoja team, working towards a world-class tournament that showcases African unity,” Mvurya told reporters. “This is more than football. It’s about building bridges.”
The visa—whose full rollout details are expected soon—will be coordinated by the respective immigration departments in all three countries. Officials say the goal is to make travel smooth and secure for anyone attending the tournament.
Uganda’s Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang, echoed the same spirit of unity.
“East Africa is ready. We welcome all Africans and football lovers from across the world to come and experience our hospitality and culture,” he said.
Tanzania’s Sports Minister, Prof. Palamagamba Kabudi, also praised the level of cooperation between the countries, calling it “a proud moment for our region.”
The Confederation of African Football (CAF), which governs the tournament, has given its full backing. CAF officials recently completed security training with the local organising teams, and expressed confidence in the region’s preparedness.
Work on infrastructure is nearing completion, with all three countries promising stadiums and transport systems will be ready by the end of June. The overall budget for the tournament is pegged at about $39 million (roughly KSh 5.05 billion), with the three governments agreeing on tax exemptions for essential imports to help manage costs.
Security remains a priority. All venues will be under tight surveillance, and officials say lessons learned from past tournaments are guiding their plans.
While most fans are excited, some have raised questions about logistics, such as visa processing times and travel between host cities. In response, Kenya’s Ministry of Sports says an official guide with travel and match schedules will be released before the end of June.
The CHAN tournament, which features players active in their home countries’ domestic leagues, is expected to draw thousands from across Africa. For the first time, three nations are hosting together—a bold move that many hope will set a new standard for collaboration in African sport.
And while the matches will decide who lifts the trophy, the Pamoja spirit may be the tournament’s biggest win.
