The Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed has announced the country’s intention to bid for hosting the 2029 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

In a media address in Addis Ababa, Ahmed expressed confidence in Ethiopia’s capability to bring the prestigious tournament back to its soil, noting that the country would need to add a few more stadiums to meet the necessary requirements.

In April, Ethiopian Minister of Culture and Sports, Kejela Merdasa, also revealed Ethiopia’s ambitious plans to prepare for a bid to host either the 2029 or 2031 AFCON.

He emphasized the need for at least six standard stadiums to ensure the event’s success.

Merdasa acknowledged that Ethiopia currently lacks stadiums that meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) requirements, which has forced the national team to play its matches abroad.

However, he assured that efforts are underway to build new stadiums and renovate existing ones.

Ethiopia last hosted the AFCON in 1976, and previously in 1962 and 1968.

As one of Africa’s founding football nations, Ethiopia was one of only three teams, along with Egypt and Sudan, to participate in the inaugural Africa Cup of Nations in 1957. They also won the tournament in 1962 when they hosted it.