Burkina Faso has taken another step towards the joint bid by Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to host the 2030 Africa Cup of Nations. On Sunday, November 8, a Confederation of African Football (CAF) evaluation mission visited the country to assess its readiness to host the continental tournament. The delegation, led by football administrator Emmanuel Newton Dasoberi, met Sports Minister Annick Pikbougoum/Zingué Ouattara to present its initial observations.
During the inspection, CAF experts examined the country’s human resources, sporting facilities and accommodation capacity. Their programme included visits to the 4-Août Stadium, the Étalons’ training centre (COMET), which has two pitches, and the Lancaster Ouaga 2000 hotel.
Representatives from several government institutions, national sports federations and technical organisations also joined the discussions, including officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Health and National Construction, as well as the National Office for Major Projects and Faso Mêbo.
However, this initial assessment represents only one stage of the process. CAF plans further specialized inspections covering security, information technology, infrastructure, amenities and medical facilities. These evaluations will help determine whether the three Alliance of Sahel States (AES) countries can meet the requirements for hosting AFCON 2030. Following the meeting, Minister Annick Pikbougoum/Zingué Ouattara reaffirmed Burkina Faso’s commitment, alongside Mali and Niger, to preparing a joint bid capable of securing CAF’s approval.
