Ethiopia Officially Bids to Host AFCON 2028 Amid Infrastructure and Security Concerns

Ethiopia has formally submitted a bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), marking a determined effort to bring the continent’s premier football tournament back to the nation for the first time in over five decades. The bid, officially presented by the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) with full government backing, seeks to revive Ethiopia’s legacy as a foundational host of African football. The country previously hosted the tournament in 1962, 1968, and 1976, winning its only title on home soil in 1962. If successful, 2028 would mark the first time the country has staged the event in 52 years.

Despite the historical significance, the proposal faces significant scrutiny regarding the nation's current readiness. At present, Ethiopia possesses only one stadium that meets the rigorous standards set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This infrastructure deficit was highlighted recently when Ethiopia was forced to play its 2026 World Cup home qualifiers at neutral venues because no local facilities were deemed fit for international use. To address these gaps, the EFF is highlighting a new international stadium and sports complex currently under construction in Addis Ababa, which is expected to be completed within the coming year and serve as a centerpiece for the tournament.

The challenge of hosting a modern 24-team tournament extends far beyond stadium capacity. Analysts and critics have pointed out that Ethiopia must provide sufficient high-quality training facilities, modern accommodations, and efficient transportation networks to support thousands of players, officials, and fans. Furthermore, persistent security challenges and political unrest in various regions of the country remain a major concern for CAF officials. The governing body will require strong assurances that the safety of all participants can be guaranteed across multiple host cities throughout the month-long event.

As CAF begins the process of evaluating bids, Ethiopia enters a competitive field. Other potential contenders include a reported joint bid from Southern African nations, including Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. With the 2027 tournament already awarded to an East African trio—Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—the decision for 2028 will likely hinge on whether Ethiopia can demonstrate rapid progress in its infrastructure development and regional stability. For Ethiopia, a successful bid would represent a significant milestone in its sporting history and a major opportunity for national economic development.