Sources close to the process, which is now a subject of investigation by Parliament, said there was advise from technocrats against going ahead with the bid after Namibia pulled out at the last minute. Instead, bidding for the 2029 edition was seen as a more realistic target. Botswana and Namibia had agreed to launch a joint bid for the 2027 tournament, but the neighbouring country opted out citing other pressing commitments. It emerged this week, through Namibia's executive director of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts, and culture, Erastus Haitengela, who told a press briefing in his country that a 'dramatic' rise in costs forced a re-think. Namibia told Botswana it was withdrawing from the joint bid due to a drought, which required substantial financial commitments. But Haitengela said the budget adjustment, which rose from an initial N$31.5 million (approx. P23.5million) to N$116 million (approx. P86million) was too drastic and necessitated Windhoek's change of heart. Botswana was to bear 60% of the budget, with Namibia taking care of the remaining 40%. Further, the two countries were due to take care of facilities upgrades in their countries, with the combined budget estimated at more than P20 billion. Despite Namibia withdrawing late in the bidding process, Botswana opted to proceed with the project.
Sources within the bid committee indicate that there was no way the project could be abandoned at the last minute as it was seen as a timely boost for the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). "This was seen as a legacy project for the BDP. It was going to boost their profile, with Botswana hosting the AFCON," a source said. It is said that despite advice from technocrats on the possibility of bidding for the 2029 AFCON tournament, this was turned down as it would have come after former president Mokgweetsi Masisi's two-year term in 2028, had the BDP won the 2024 elections. "The bid committee could only advise but it was up to government to take that advice. Even if we say the bid committee had advised that they continue with the process after Namibia dropped out, it was now up to the government to make a final determination after conducting due diligence, particularly on the finances," the source said. The Former Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare, is on record saying the benefits far outweighed the costs, as hosting the AFCON finals would have fast-tracked infrastructure development and created much-needed jobs. Botswana's Parliament recently agreed to investigate the process, chiefly due to the P61 million spent on the bid book. South African company architects, Ruben Reddy compiled the 569-page, three volume document which was produced in haste due to tight CAF deadlines. "There were debates on utilising the services of an external consultant or to proceed without. There were others who felt that processes like facilities audit could be conducted by a local team. But due to time constraints, some felt an experienced consultant was required," the source added.
