Ethiopia has expressed interest in hosting the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations, signalling its ambition to bring one of Africa’s biggest football tournaments to the country. A successful bid would provide Ethiopia with an opportunity to showcase its football facilities, tourism attractions and cultural heritage to a large international audience. The Africa Cup of Nations, organised by the Confederation of African Football, CAF, is one of the continent’s most prestigious sporting events and attracts millions of viewers across Africa and beyond. Hosting the tournament requires significant preparation, including suitable stadiums, training facilities, accommodation, transportation networks, security arrangements and reliable infrastructure. Ethiopia’s interest in the competition could therefore lead to increased attention on the country’s sporting facilities and its plans for improving infrastructure ahead of a potential hosting decision. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, has a long history of hosting major sporting and diplomatic events and could serve as one of the main centres for the tournament if the country’s bid is successful. Other cities could also be considered depending on stadium capacity, facilities and logistical requirements. A successful AFCON bid could provide economic benefits through tourism, hospitality, transportation and other sectors that typically benefit from international sporting events. Hotels, restaurants, airlines, retailers and local businesses could experience increased demand during the competition. The tournament could also provide opportunities for young people and local sports professionals through temporary employment, volunteering and related activities. Ethiopia’s football community is also expected to welcome the possibility of hosting the continental championship, particularly because a home tournament could generate greater interest in the sport and encourage investment in football development. However, securing the hosting rights would require the country to meet CAF’s technical and organisational standards. Authorities would need to demonstrate that stadiums and supporting infrastructure can accommodate teams, officials and large numbers of spectators. The bidding process is expected to involve assessments of facilities, government guarantees and other requirements before a final decision is made. Ethiopia’s interest adds another contender to the race for the 2028 AFCON and could increase competition among countries seeking the opportunity to host the prestigious tournament. If selected, the event would represent a major moment for Ethiopian sport and could leave a lasting legacy through improved infrastructure and increased international exposure.
