Addis Ababa, Jan 20/01/2026 (ABN)
Ethiopia has renewed its ambition to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), signaling a strong national commitment to bring Africa’s premier football tournament back to one of the continent’s historic football nations. The move reflects Ethiopia’s broader vision to position sport as a driver of national development, international visibility, and youth empowerment.
As a founding member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and a former AFCON host, Ethiopia’s bid carries deep historical significance. The country previously hosted the tournament in 1962, 1968, and 1976, and remains a symbol of Africa’s football heritage. Hosting AFCON 2028 is widely viewed as an opportunity to reconnect this legacy with a new era of modern infrastructure and professional sports management.
Government authorities, working closely with the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF), have outlined plans focused on upgrading stadiums, improving transport networks, expanding hospitality capacity, and strengthening security and event management systems in line with CAF standards. Addis Ababa is expected to serve as the central hub, with other regional cities positioned as potential host venues.
Beyond football, Ethiopia’s AFCON 2028 aspiration is framed as a national development project. Officials emphasize that hosting the tournament would boost tourism, stimulate job creation, attract foreign investment, and enhance Ethiopia’s international image. The expected inflow of fans, media, and teams from across Africa would also provide a platform to showcase Ethiopia’s culture, history, and hospitality to a global audience.
The bid comes amid growing competition among African nations seeking to host future AFCON editions. CAF’s evolving requirements place strong emphasis on infrastructure readiness, financial sustainability, and organizational capacity. Ethiopian authorities have expressed confidence that ongoing reforms, public-private partnerships, and experience hosting major international events place the country in a competitive position.
Sports analysts note that Ethiopia’s youthful population and deep passion for football strengthen the case for hosting AFCON 2028. Investments in grassroots football, coaching development, and league reforms are increasingly aligned with the country’s continental ambitions.
While CAF has yet to announce a final host decision, Ethiopia’s renewed push signals determination to reclaim a prominent place on Africa’s football map. If successful, AFCON 2028 would mark a historic return of the tournament to Ethiopia and stand as a milestone in the nation’s sporting and developmental journey.
