East African governments are preparing to capitalize on a series of major international sporting events, hoping to attract investment, boost tourism, and create employment opportunities for the region’s growing youth population. Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will jointly host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), followed by the 2029 World Athletics Championships in Nairobi. Kenya anticipates welcoming an additional 1 million visitors during AFCON, while Uganda is targeting $500 million in economic benefits. Rwanda is also planning to bring Formula 1 back to Africa in the early 2030s. The events are expected to stimulate spending across hospitality, construction, transportation, and entertainment. However, substantial infrastructure investments are placing pressure on public finances. Questions also remain about whether new stadiums and arenas will remain commercially viable after the tournaments.