A joint bid involving South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe has been proposed to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations, marking a renewed push for regional collaboration in staging one of the continent’s biggest sporting events.
The four Southern African nations are seeking to combine infrastructure, logistics, and regional connectivity to present a unified hosting plan that could rival traditional single country bids. If successful, the proposal would represent a significant moment for Southern Africa, bringing the tournament back to the region nearly two decades after South Africa hosted the competition in 2013.
The joint bid reflects a growing trend in global football, where multiple countries collaborate to share the financial and logistical burden of hosting major tournaments. With rising costs associated with stadium upgrades, transport networks, accommodation, and security, co hosting has become an increasingly attractive model for football governing bodies.
Officials involved in the proposal are expected to highlight South Africa’s relatively advanced infrastructure as the backbone of the bid. The country already possesses several FIFA standard stadiums, well developed transport systems, and prior experience hosting major tournaments including the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Meanwhile, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe are likely to position themselves as complementary hosts, offering additional venues and spreading economic benefits across the region. The shared hosting model could also enhance tourism flows, allowing fans to experience multiple destinations within Southern Africa during the tournament.
Analysts say the bid could strengthen regional integration by encouraging cross border infrastructure development and cooperation. However, it will also face scrutiny over readiness, particularly in areas such as stadium standards, security coordination, and transport efficiency across multiple countries.
The Confederation of African Football is expected to assess bids based on infrastructure, financial guarantees, government support, and legacy impact. Competition for AFCON hosting rights has intensified in recent years, with countries and regional blocs increasingly viewing the tournament as a strategic opportunity to boost tourism, investment, and international visibility.
For Southern Africa, the joint bid represents more than just a sporting ambition. It signals a coordinated effort to reposition the region as a major player in African football hosting, leveraging collective strength rather than individual capacity.
If approved, AFCON 2028 could become one of the most geographically diverse editions of the tournament, potentially redefining how major African sporting events are organised in the future.