Zambia and Botswana Unite for Joint Bid to Host 2027 Africa Cup of Nations
The governments of Zambia and Botswana have joined forces to submit a joint bid to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Initially, Zambia had aimed for the 2025 bid but opted to stake their claim for the 2027 edition.
A Zambian delegation, led by Chembo Mbula, Permanent Secretary at the Cabinet Office for Special Duties, is currently in Cairo to make the bid presentation. The delegation also includes officials from the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and government representatives.
The FAZ delegation is composed of President Andrew Kamanga, General Secretary Reuben Kamanga, and League Manager Brian Mulenga. The Ministry of Sports is represented by Kandai Chilongo and Ms. Mwamba.
Zambia and Botswana’s joint bid will face competition from several other nations, including Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya (bidding as a group), Nigeria/Benin (joint bid), Senegal, Egypt, and Algeria.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to announce the hosts for both the 2025 and 2027 AFCON tournaments after thoroughly reviewing the bid presentations in Cairo.
FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga expressed confidence that the collaborative bid with Botswana would significantly enhance both nations’ chances of hosting Africa’s premier football tournament. Zambia has previous experience hosting the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in 2017, which they won. This joint effort demonstrates the commitment of both countries to bringing the prestigious AFCON to Southern Africa in 2027.
