The 2025 mid-season transfer window made history with record-breaking global spending, but East Africa’s story painted a very different picture. While European clubs shattered their own benchmarks with multi-million-dollar signings, East African nations remained on the fringes of the financial boom. Tanzania emerged as the regional frontrunner, Kenya trailed with modest returns, and Uganda failed to register any transfer revenue.
Worldwide, transfer spending soared to unprecedented levels, surpassing USD 9.7 billion across men’s football. The English Premier League once again dominated the charts, with clubs investing heavily in new talent. Women’s football also experienced remarkable growth, with over USD 12 million spent and more than 1,100 transfers completed globally, reflecting the rapid professionalisation of the women’s game.
Amidst this global surge, Tanzania pulled in USD 1.4 million in transfer fees from outgoing players between June and September 2025. The country also recorded 58 incoming transfers, underscoring the growing strength and attractiveness of its domestic league. Tanzanian clubs have increasingly demonstrated their ability to profit from talent development and market visibility.
Kenya, on the other hand, collected only USD 1,250 in transfer fees. This came despite outgoing moves involving some of the country’s most promising players. Mohammed Bajaber joined Simba SC in Tanzania, Alphonce Omija sealed a switch to ES Sahel in Tunisia, and Ryan Ogam prepared for a new chapter with Austrian side Wolfsberger AC. Kenya recorded 18 incoming and 19 outgoing transfers, but most of these were either free or low-cost deals. The figures highlight long-standing challenges Kenyan clubs face in monetising their talent, with structural gaps in scouting, player contracts, and negotiations continuing to limit financial returns.
Uganda fared worst of all, walking away with zero transfer revenue. Despite registering 16 incoming and 13 outgoing deals, none generated significant income. This underlines the vulnerability of Ugandan clubs in an increasingly competitive and commercialised transfer market.
These outcomes come less than a year after the region jointly hosted the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), a stage that gave East African players valuable exposure. However, the contrast between Tanzania’s market success and Kenya and Uganda’s struggles shows that visibility alone is not enough. Stronger scouting networks, smarter contract strategies, and long-term planning are essential if East African clubs hope to turn talent into sustainable financial growth.
