Ethiopia has officially declared its candidacy to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2029, marking a significant step for the East African nation in its bid to organize the prestigious tournament. The announcement was made by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during a dinner on Monday evening, held in honor of delegates attending the 46th General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Addis Ababa.
Prime Minister Abiy emphasized Ethiopia’s readiness and capacity to host the continental event, highlighting the country’s infrastructure and organizational experience.
“Ethiopia is prepared to welcome Africa’s biggest football event, and we are confident in our ability to successfully organize and host the 2029 AFCON,” the Prime Minister was quoted as saying by local media.
The announcement signals Ethiopia’s strong ambitions to position itself as a key player in African football.
The 46th General Assembly of CAF, being held in the Ethiopian capital, brings together officials from across the continent, including a delegation from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).
The event is a major gathering for African football leadership, with discussions focused on the future of the sport in the region.
The General Assembly was preceded by a series of zonal meetings on Sunday, followed by the CAF Executive Committee meeting on Monday.
In addition to official discussions, a friendly football match was organized featuring CAF President Patrice Motsepe, the Ethiopian Prime Minister, and several African football legends, adding a celebratory touch to the gathering.
Ethiopia, with its rich football history and growing infrastructure, sees this bid as an opportunity to showcase its capabilities on the international stage.
Should the bid succeed, it would mark the country’s first time hosting AFCON since 1976, when the tournament was held in Addis Ababa.
The road to securing the bid for AFCON 2029 will involve competition from other African nations, as CAF continues to assess potential host countries based on various criteria, including facilities, logistics, and infrastructure.
Ethiopia’s bid, backed by the country’s government, aims to demonstrate that it can meet the high standards required for the tournament, which has grown in size and scale over the years.
With its official candidacy now in motion, Ethiopia joins the race to host one of the continent’s most significant sporting events, a prospect that could bring widespread attention and development to the nation.
The next few years will determine whether Ethiopia’s efforts to host AFCON 2029 will come to fruition, but for now, the country has set its sights firmly on bringing the continent’s football elite to its doorstep.
