The Ethiopian Football Federation has officially submitted a formal bid to the Confederation of African Football to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations, marking a significant milestone in the country’s sports diplomacy. The announcement follows a strategic decision by the federation and the Ethiopian government to pivot from an original plan to target the 2029 edition, aligning instead with CAF’s newly established four-year tournament cycle. Federation Secretary General Bahiru Tilahun confirmed that the proposal includes a full sovereign guarantee from the government, signaling the highest level of national commitment to bringing the continental showpiece back to Ethiopia for the first time in over fifty years.
The bid comes at a critical juncture for Ethiopian football, as the national team has recently been forced to play "home" fixtures in Morocco and Tanzania due to a lack of CAF-approved venues. To address this, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has spearheaded an aggressive infrastructure campaign centered on the completion of the Adey Abeba Stadium in the capital. The government’s plan outlines the development and renovation of international-standard facilities across Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Dire Dawa, Hawassa, Jimma, and Mekele. This construction surge is intended not only to meet CAF’s stringent hosting requirements but also to stimulate tourism and create job opportunities throughout the country.
As a founding member of CAF, Ethiopia holds a prestigious place in the tournament's history, having hosted the event in 1962, 1968, and 1976. President Isayas Jira Bosho emphasized that the nation’s ambition is rooted in this heritage, expressing a desire to revive the electric atmosphere that saw Ethiopia crowned champions on home soil in 1962. However, the path to 2028 remains competitive, as Ethiopia faces potential rival bids from established hosts like Egypt and South Africa. Should Ethiopia succeed, it would create a unique era for East African football, following the 2027 tournament which is set to be co-hosted by neighboring Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
