Ethiopia Submits Formal Bid To Host 2028 AFCON
Ethiopia has officially submitted its bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), marking an ambitious attempt by the East African nation to stage the continent’s biggest football tournament for the first time in more than five decades.
The Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) formally presented its hosting proposal to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), with the Ethiopian government providing a full sovereign guarantee for the bid.
EFF Secretary General Bahiru Tilahun confirmed the submission, explaining that the country had shifted its focus from the 2029 edition to 2028 in line with CAF’s newly established four-year tournament cycle.
The bid comes as Ethiopia seeks to address a major challenge facing its football infrastructure. The national team has recently been forced to play some of its home fixtures in Morocco and Tanzania because the country currently lacks CAF-approved stadiums.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has consequently spearheaded an infrastructure drive, with the completion of the Adey Abeba Stadium in Addis Ababa at the centre of the government’s plans.
The proposed development programme also includes the construction and renovation of international-standard football facilities in Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Dire Dawa, Hawassa, Jimma and Mekele.
Beyond meeting CAF’s hosting requirements, the Ethiopian government expects the infrastructure programme to boost tourism and create employment opportunities across the country.
Ethiopia has a strong historical connection with the AFCON. A founding member of CAF, the country hosted the tournament in 1962, 1968 and 1976.
President of the Ethiopian Football Federation, Isayas Jira Bosho, said the bid was inspired by the country’s rich football heritage, particularly its historic triumph at the 1962 AFCON, when Ethiopia won the title on home soil.
Ethiopia, however, faces competition for the 2028 tournament, with established football nations such as Egypt and South Africa also reportedly considering bids.
If successful, Ethiopia’s bid would give East Africa another opportunity to host the continental championship shortly after Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania stage the 2027 AFCON jointly.
CAF will ultimately assess the competing bids based on its hosting requirements before selecting the country or countries that will stage the 2028 tournament.
The Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) formally presented its hosting proposal to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), with the Ethiopian government providing a full sovereign guarantee for the bid.
EFF Secretary General Bahiru Tilahun confirmed the submission, explaining that the country had shifted its focus from the 2029 edition to 2028 in line with CAF’s newly established four-year tournament cycle.
The bid comes as Ethiopia seeks to address a major challenge facing its football infrastructure. The national team has recently been forced to play some of its home fixtures in Morocco and Tanzania because the country currently lacks CAF-approved stadiums.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has consequently spearheaded an infrastructure drive, with the completion of the Adey Abeba Stadium in Addis Ababa at the centre of the government’s plans.
The proposed development programme also includes the construction and renovation of international-standard football facilities in Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Dire Dawa, Hawassa, Jimma and Mekele.
Beyond meeting CAF’s hosting requirements, the Ethiopian government expects the infrastructure programme to boost tourism and create employment opportunities across the country.
Ethiopia has a strong historical connection with the AFCON. A founding member of CAF, the country hosted the tournament in 1962, 1968 and 1976.
President of the Ethiopian Football Federation, Isayas Jira Bosho, said the bid was inspired by the country’s rich football heritage, particularly its historic triumph at the 1962 AFCON, when Ethiopia won the title on home soil.
Ethiopia, however, faces competition for the 2028 tournament, with established football nations such as Egypt and South Africa also reportedly considering bids.
If successful, Ethiopia’s bid would give East Africa another opportunity to host the continental championship shortly after Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania stage the 2027 AFCON jointly.
CAF will ultimately assess the competing bids based on its hosting requirements before selecting the country or countries that will stage the 2028 tournament.
