The Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo are advancing plans to jointly host the Africa Cup of Nations, with Kinshasa and Brazzaville seeking to bring the continent’s biggest football tournament to the two countries.
DRC Sports and Recreation Minister Didier Budimbu confirmed that discussions between the neighbouring countries are progressing, with both governments having secured approval from Presidents Félix Tshisekedi and Denis Sassou Nguesso.
Speaking on Congolese national television RTNC, Budimbu said the two countries were exploring a joint bid for a future edition of the tournament rather than the 2027 competition.
“ The goal was to host the AFCON, not in 2027, but I think in 2029 or 2030, here. The idea is to organize it with the Republic of Congo, in Brazzaville.
“I spoke with my counterpart there, Yves, who obtained authorization from President Sassou so that we could continue discussions. For my part, I also obtained authorization from our president. We are therefore currently examining how to rehabilitate existing infrastructure and build new facilities in order to be able to host this AFCON ,” he said.
The proposal would see the two neighbouring Francophone nations combine their resources and infrastructure in an attempt to stage one of African football’s biggest events.
Budimbu acknowledged, however, that significant obstacles remain before the project can become a reality.
Infrastructure development will require substantial investment, with existing stadiums needing rehabilitation and new facilities potentially having to be constructed to meet international standards.
The DRC’s financial position is also being affected by the security situation in the eastern part of the country, where armed conflict continues to place pressure on government resources.
Budimbu said the situation was limiting the government’s ability to immediately implement all of its planned projects.
” It’s a process. Let’s not forget that when we talk about construction and rehabilitation, we’re talking about money. In the east of the country, there are people, I don’t even know how to describe them, who are doing whatever they want and forcing us into a war.
“This war is weighing heavily on public finances and our resources, preventing us from carrying out everything we had planned from the outset. ”
Despite those difficulties, the DRC government says work towards the AFCON ambition can continue through alternative financing arrangements.
A Sports Promotion Fund is being established as part of efforts to create a sustainable source of funding for sports infrastructure.
Budimbu also said discussions were taking place with the Ministry of State Enterprises over the possibility of state-owned companies supporting sport, including stadium construction and renovation.
“ But this doesn’t preclude work from being carried out and for us to continue to consider the options. When I talk about the Sports Promotion Fund, this fund will allow us to put infrastructure in place. I’ll even go further. Discussions are underway with my colleague at the Ministry of State Enterprises.
“We are examining how state-owned companies can also subsidize or support our sport, particularly in the construction of infrastructure. We are truly working on this, because the goal is to be able to host this major event. ”
The proposed partnership would give the DRC and Republic of Congo an opportunity to combine their efforts in developing football infrastructure while also strengthening links between the two countries.
For Kinshasa, the project is about more than simply securing the right to host an AFCON.
The government sees the tournament as an opportunity to accelerate investment in sporting facilities and create a lasting impact on the country’s sports sector.
