Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium receives $65m insurance backing

Article posted by Coliseum, July 7^th, 2026

Image: ICIEC

The ICIEC has provided insurance support for the construction of the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Uganda.

The transaction was signed on the sidelines of the IsDB Group 2026 Annual Meetings, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 16 to 19 June 2026.

Africa.com said the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit’s (ICIEC) support was provided through a Specific Transaction Policy (STP) extended to SAMCO National Construction Company of Egypt covering a supplier credit facility.

The ICIEC is a Shariah-based multilateral credit and political risk insurer and member of the Islamic Development Bank Group.

The project has a total contract value of approximately $130 million, with an insured amount of $65 million and a coverage level of 90% against the non-honouring of a Ministry of Finance guarantee issued by the Government of Uganda.

The 20,000-capacity Akii Bua Olympic Stadium is a multipurpose stadium under construction in Lira, Uganda. It is intended to be used for the first time during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations soccer tournament.

The stadium is one of the three stadia that Uganda plans to use during the tournament that will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, also referred to as AFCON 2027 or CAN 2027, is scheduled to be the 36th edition of the biennial African football tournament organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). It will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from June 19^th-July 18^th, 2027.

The Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium is part of Uganda’s efforts to strengthen national sports infrastructure and expand its capacity to host regional and international sporting events. Located in Lira City, the project is expected to support youth athletics, promote community participation in sports, and contribute to healthier lifestyles.

During construction of the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium, the project is expected to create employment opportunities and increase demand for local materials and services.

In the longer term, the stadium is expected to stimulate regional economic activity by attracting sporting events, tourism, and related commercial services, while supporting urban development in Lira and surrounding areas.

Commenting on the transaction, Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, Chief Executive Officer of ICIEC, said: “This project demonstrates how well-structured risk mitigation can help deliver social infrastructure with lasting development value.

“By supporting the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium, ICIEC is contributing to a project that will serve communities, empower young people, and create new opportunities for economic activity in Northern Uganda.”

Continue following Coliseum for the latest updates on sports venues, stadiums and arena business news worldwide.

Coliseum is dedicated to building a global community of sports and entertainment venue professionals helping create better and more profitable venues.

Become a member of the Global Sports Venue Alliance and connect with stadiums,‘Fulham Pier engaging community like never before’ arenas and industry experts from around the world. Apply for membership through the Global Sports Venue Alliance and access the 365Coliseum Business platform.

Watch 500+ member-exclusive videos with valuable tips for your venue