Ethiopia formally submits bid to host AFCON 2028 after venue plan

Ethiopia has formally submitted its bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations to the Confederation of African Football. The proposal comes ahead of the 2027 tournament, which is scheduled to be staged jointly by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

The Ethiopian Football Federation had initially planned to pursue the 2029 edition, but changed direction after CAF established a four-year tournament cycle. Federation Secretary General Bahiru Tilahun confirmed that the application carries a full sovereign guarantee from the Ethiopian government, underlining its commitment to the hosting project.

Ethiopia’s bid is tied to a major programme to improve its football infrastructure. The national team has recently had to play home fixtures in Morocco and Tanzania because the country did not have venues approved by CAF. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is leading efforts focused on completing the Adey Abeba Stadium in Addis Ababa.

The wider plan includes building and renovating facilities in Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Dire Dawa, Hawassa, Jimma and Mekele. The proposed work is intended to bring the venues up to international standards required for an Africa Cup of Nations, while also supporting tourism and employment across the country.

Ethiopia is a founding member of CAF and has previously staged the continental tournament in 1962, 1968 and 1976. The federation’s leadership is presenting the bid as a chance to reconnect with that history, including the country’s 1962 title triumph on home soil. If selected, Ethiopia would host the competition for the first time in more than 50 years.

The bid will face competition from potential submissions by established hosts Egypt and South Africa. Ethiopia’s proposal therefore combines its record as an early part of the tournament’s history with a commitment to address the venue problems that have affected the national team.