Botswana Drops Out of 2028 AFCON Hosting Bid

 

 

Botswana has pulled out of a proposed joint bid with Zimbabwe and South Africa to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations, citing financial pressures.

The decision came after the Botswana government declined to provide a financial guarantee required for the country's participation in the bidding process.

According to Mmegi, the government said it had to prioritise other national needs amid limited fiscal space.

The Botswana Football Association, however, reportedly argued that the guarantee was not yet required at that stage of the process.

The disagreement prevented Botswana from submitting the necessary documents before the September 14 deadline set by the Confederation of African Football.

Zimbabwe and South Africa have reportedly submitted their documents and are expected to continue with the bid without Botswana.

The three-country proposal would have allowed the hosts to share the costs and organisational responsibilities of the tournament, while giving Botswana an opportunity to stage some matches.

Botswana's withdrawal comes as its economy continues to feel the effects of weaker global demand for diamonds, a key source of government revenue and foreign currency.

De Beers reported that Botswana's rough-diamond production declined by 16 percent in 2025 to 15.1 million carats from 17.9 million carats the previous year.

The government has responded by tightening spending as it seeks to protect its fiscal position.

Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe said in September that the projected 2026/27 budget deficit had been reduced to about P9.26 billion, equivalent to 3.1 percent of GDP, from an earlier projection of P26.35 billion.

Despite the improved outlook, the government remains cautious about taking on major financial commitments.

The decision also comes after Botswana failed to secure the right to host the 2027 AFCON, which was awarded to the joint Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda bid.

For Botswana, hosting part of the 2028 tournament could have provided opportunities for tourism, hospitality, transport and retail businesses.

However, the potential economic benefits would have had to be weighed against the financial guarantees and public expenditure required to participate.

Zimbabwe and South Africa will now have to proceed with the 2028 AFCON bid as a two-country proposal.