At least 650 potential suppliers have been pre-qualified for business opportunities linked to Uganda’s hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The figure comes from 850 potential suppliers who registered with the Uganda Local Organising Committee, while another 200 remain under review.
Dr Denis Mugimba, chairperson of the Uganda LOC Communications and Promotion Sub-Committee, says the exercise is intended to prepare businesses for future procurement opportunities.
The opportunities are expected to cut across hospitality, catering, transport, logistics, ICT, media, communications, branding, medical services and event management.
Other areas include safety and security, consultancy, documentary production, fan zone management, souvenir production, digital production and office supplies.
The pre-qualification does not amount to the award of contracts, but places successful suppliers in the pool eligible for competitive bidding once tenders are launched.
Mugimba had earlier explained that interested companies were required to complete the registration process before being considered for future procurement opportunities.
“We invite all qualified, experienced and reputable potential suppliers to register their interest by undertaking the pre-qualification process,” Mugimba said in July.
He described AFCON 2027 as an opportunity for Ugandan businesses to participate in delivering one of the biggest sporting events ever hosted in the region.
The LOC previously indicated that tenders were expected to begin between September and October 2026, making the current pre-qualification stage an important gateway.
Successful applicants are expected to satisfy several requirements, including legal registration in Uganda, tax compliance and registration with the relevant procurement authorities.
They must also demonstrate experience in their respective sectors and satisfactory performance records before being admitted into the competitive procurement process.
The commercial opportunity also extends beyond contracts directly managed by the Uganda LOC, with CAF opening its own supplier registration process.
CAF is seeking suppliers in areas including ticketing, broadcasting, hospitality, transport, catering, communication services, IT solutions, branding and event operations.
CAF has clarified that its registration exercise is intended to build a database of prospective suppliers and does not itself constitute a tender offer.
Mugimba says some AFCON-related contracts may be too large for individual suppliers, creating room for companies to establish consortiums or joint ventures.
That approach could allow smaller or specialised businesses to combine financial, technical and operational capacity when competing for larger tournament contracts.
The LOC also views AFCON procurement as an opportunity for knowledge and technology transfer beyond the immediate financial benefits of winning contracts.
Uganda will co-host the tournament with Kenya and Tanzania, with preparations extending beyond stadium construction into transport, hospitality, security, technology and tournament operations.
Previous AFCON business information sessions have also encouraged small and medium-sized enterprises to explore joint ventures, subcontracting and other partnership arrangements