Guinea set to bid for future AFCON hosting rights, says sports minister

Guinea is preparing to bid to host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), according to the country’s Ministry of Sports. Sports Sports Minister Bogola Haba has hinted that the West African nation intends to submit a bid, though he did not specify which edition of the tournament Guinea will target.

According to Guinee Foot, Guinea’s plans follow the Confederation of African Football (CAF) opening the bidding process for the 2029, 2031, 2033, and 2035 editions of AFCON. CAF has invited member nations to submit their declarations of interest before October 10. Despite facing challenges in developing sports infrastructure, Guinea is expected to pursue the hosting rights.

Minister Haba noted that Guinea has been working toward hosting since 2023. “Guinea has already been actively preparing for AFCON since August 2023, with the opening of construction sites for the September 28 and General Lansana Conte stadiums in Nongo, as well as ongoing financing and construction of regional hospitals and airports, roads, luxury hotels, rail infrastructure, fiber optics, and the National Data Center. We have also created the General Management of Nimba Sport, which will be in charge of organizing this major continental event,” he said.

Another interest in hosting AFCON besides Guinea

So far, Ethiopia has also expressed interest in hosting the 2029 AFCON, with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed backing the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) to submit a formal bid.

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