Ethiopia launches nationwide stadium inspections ahead of 2029 AFCON bid
- Omna Taddele
- Jun 19
- 2 min read
The government of Ethiopia and the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) have begun a nationwide stadium inspection with the help of Line 90 Football Business and Consulting, a firm owned by former CAF Club Licensing head Muhammad F. Sidat. The country hopes to stage the 2029 Africa Cup of Nations and five stadiums were inspected across three cities as a potential bid for AFCON from Ethiopia nears.
Three stadiums in Addis Ababa and one stadium each in Dire Dawa and Jimma were put forward by the EFF and the government, and both sporting and non-sporting infrastructures were assessed by the firm. Stadium compliance and hosting readiness of selected football venues across the country, in line with CAF AFCON requirements, were also evaluated.
Addis Ababa Stadium, Adey Abeba Stadium, Akaki Kality Stadium, Dire Dawa Stadium, and Jimma University Stadium have been assessed so far. Adey Abeba Stadium and Akaki Kality Stadium are still under construction. The old Addis Ababa Stadium is under renovation but has yet to meet CAF's minimum standards. Jimma University Stadium is currently hosting the All Ethiopian Games, while Dire Dawa Stadium has hosted Ethiopian Premier League games.
Other stadiums in Bahir Dar, Mekele, and Hawassa were not included in the inspection this time. Bahir Dar Stadium is undergoing major construction, and the Ethiopian national team could return to playing at home if CAF gives it the green light by September. It is not yet known when the other stadiums will receive an inspection visit from the government, the EFF, and the firm.
Ethiopia expressed its desire to host the 2029 AFCON in October 2024, with the country’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, officially announcing the bid. The Horn of Africa nation has hosted the tournament four times, the last being in 1976.
Since hosting the 2001 African Youth Championship, Ethiopia has not hosted a major football tournament for over two decades. The EFF and the government aim to change that in 2029.
