Ethiopian Football Federation Submits Official Bid to Host 2028 Africa Cup of Nations

Ethiopia has officially entered the race to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), marking a determined effort to return the continental showpiece to the nation for the first time in over five decades. The Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF), with full backing from the national government, submitted the formal proposal to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in October 2023. If successful, this would be the fourth time Ethiopia hosts the tournament, having previously staged the event in 1962—the year they clinched their only title—1968, and 1976. The move signals Ethiopia's intent to revitalize its sporting legacy and elevate East Africa's profile in international football.

Despite the country’s rich heritage as a founding member of CAF, the bid faces significant scrutiny regarding current infrastructure. For a modern 24-team tournament, CAF requires multiple high-standard venues, yet Ethiopia currently has only one stadium—the Bahir Dar Stadium—previously approved for international use. To bridge this gap, the government is highlighting the construction of the Adey Abeba International Stadium and a larger sports complex in Addis Ababa, which is expected to meet international standards upon completion. However, skeptics point to the fact that the national team, the Walia Ibex, has recently been forced to play home qualifiers at neutral venues due to a lack of compliant facilities.

Beyond the pitch, the bid must navigate complex regional security challenges and immense logistical demands. While Addis Ababa remains a stable hub, ongoing unrest in various regions has raised concerns regarding the safety of visiting teams and international supporters. Hosting a tournament of this magnitude requires more than just stadiums; it demands a robust network of world-class training facilities, high-quality accommodation, and efficient transport systems. The EFF remains optimistic, asserting that the government’s commitment will ensure all safety and logistical benchmarks are met through substantial investment over the coming years.

Ethiopia faces stiff competition for the 2028 hosting rights, most notably from a formidable joint bid by Southern African nations including Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. With the 2027 edition already slated for a regional "Pamoja" bid by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, CAF’s decision-making process will likely weigh regional rotation alongside technical readiness. For Ethiopia, currently ranked 143rd in the world, a successful bid would serve as a vital catalyst for domestic infrastructure development and economic growth, potentially ending its long absence from the center stage of African football.