By Dorcas Francis Koji
Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have officially declared a joint bid to host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), signalling a landmark collaboration aimed at bringing Africa’s biggest football tournament to the Sahel region for the first time.
The three West African nations announced their intention to jointly stage the continental showpiece, describing the bid as a symbol of regional unity, cooperation and their shared ambition to elevate football development across the region.
If successful, the tournament would be hosted across selected cities in the three countries, with plans expected to include the construction and renovation of stadiums, improved transport infrastructure, accommodation facilities and modern training centres in line with Confederation of African Football (CAF) requirements.
Officials behind the bid believe hosting AFCON 2032 would not only celebrate African football but also stimulate economic growth through tourism, job creation and infrastructure development while strengthening ties among the participating nations.
The joint proposal reflects a growing trend of multi-nation hosting arrangements, allowing neighbouring countries to share resources, reduce operational costs and maximise the long-term legacy of major sporting events.
Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have all made significant contributions to African football over the years, producing talented players who have excelled at club and international level. However, none of the three nations has previously hosted the Africa Cup of Nations together.
Football stakeholders across the continent have welcomed the announcement, describing it as an opportunity to showcase the passion for football that exists across the Sahel while opening new doors for investment in sports infrastructure.
CAF is expected to begin evaluating bids in the coming years before selecting the host nation or nations for the 2032 tournament. Several countries are also expected to express interest, setting the stage for a competitive bidding process.
Should the joint bid succeed, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso would make history by becoming one of the few multi-country hosts of Africa’s premier football competition, reinforcing the growing spirit of collaboration within African football.
The proposed bid also aligns with CAF’s broader vision of expanding the reach of major tournaments and ensuring that different regions of the continent have opportunities to host prestigious international competitions.
As preparations gather momentum, football fans across West Africa will be hoping the historic partnership results in the region welcoming the continent’s biggest football festival in 2032.
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