Addis Ababa, June 14, 2024 (FBC) – Mr. Kejela Merdasa, the Minister of Culture and Sports, announced that Ethiopia has already devised a comprehensive roadmap for its bid to host the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
Speaking to local media on the margins of the latest 100-day performance review of the Council of Ministers, Mr. Kejela underscored the significant progress made in Ethiopia’s preparations to host the continental event.
During his remarks, Mr. Kejela highlighted that activities have started for Ethiopia’s quest to host AFCON soon, in line with the infrastructure needed to host the continent’s prestigious football tournament and Ethiopia’s previous experience in hosting AFCON.
The minister also pointed out that issues related to the construction of the Adey Abeba Stadium, which were previously disrupted due to price adjustments, have now been resolved. A new contractor is currently working on completing the stadium’s construction in compliance with CAF standards.
Moreover, construction work on the Bahir Dar Stadium and other venues is progressing swiftly, ensuring they meet the necessary CAF standards. The government intends to support sports federations and associations in becoming self-sustaining by generating their own revenue, thereby reducing their reliance on budget subsidies.
In the realm of culture, Mr. Kejela announced plans to construct a cultural center that will serve as a platform to showcase the diverse stories and cultures of Ethiopia, fostering a deeper appreciation for the country’s rich heritage. The design preparation work has been completed, and insights from other countries have been incorporated to create a unique and culturally relevant facility.
The reforms being implemented by the ministry to enhance its institutional capacity, as well as the collaborative efforts with stakeholders and other related issues, have been thoroughly evaluated to ensure the successful execution of these initiatives.