President Taye Requests CAF to Endorse Ethiopia’s Bid 2029 Africa Cup of Nations Hosting Right

Addis Ababa, October 22/2024 (ENA) President Taye Atske Selassie requested CAF to endorse Ethiopia's submission of a bid to host the prestigious tournament 2029 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) 46th Ordinary General Assembly kicked off today in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

 

In his keynote address to the assembly, Taye said Ethiopia is the second most populous nation in Africa with 70 percent of its population under the age of 30 years.

Sport makes a significant part of Ethiopia’s national plan for harnessing its demographic dividend, the President underscored.

According to Taye, his country is enormously investing in the sport infrastructure for multidimensional benefits.   

“We are investing heavily in sports education and in construction of infrastructure, including new stadiums and renovation of the existing ones,” he pointed out.

Recall that Ethiopia has submitted its application to host the Africa Cup of Nations and the country is carrying out preparatory activities.

When given the opportunity to host the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations, the President revealed that we look forward to creating exceptional experiences for teams, fans and the rest of the sports family and all other stakeholders.

Accordingly, he stated that: “I take this opportunity to request CAF to endorse Ethiopia's bill to host this prestigious tournament.”

Noting that Ethiopia is a country with millions of passionate fans to sport, Taye noted that the country has played the foundational role in the development of African football.

Moreover, he expressed Ethiopia’s eagerness to showcase its capabilities and contribute to the continued growth of the sport.

The President recalled that Ethiopia hosted AFCON almost  half a century  ago, adding that I believe many of you are not born.

President of Ethiopian Football Federation, Esayas Jira said on his part Ethiopia is a proud football nation with a rich history that includes hosting the African Cup of Nations three times and lifting the trophy 1962.

“As we celebrate 62 years since that glorious and the trophy, I stand before you today to express our unwavering ambition to host African 2029 on our historic land.”

Esayas also reaffirmed the full commitment of the Ethiopian government to host the tournament, with about 11 stadiums under construction across the country.

“This is a clear indication of Ethiopia's dedication to bring the peanut of African football back to its roots as a founding member of CAF, our people deserve to once again, witness and experience the electric atmosphere of AFCON,” he stated.